We spend so much time and energy focusing on past interactions and wishing somehow they had been different. Many relationships continue to suffer from arguing about, being offended by, and feeling hurt over something that has already happened. Can we change – even a little bit – what has already occurred? Of course not! But we can learn from the past and apply what we’ve learned to actively shaping a better future. I love what my friend Don says to help folks become more future oriented: “Let’s give up all hope of a more perfect past.” Amen. It is more productive to use our energies to strengthen relationships going forward rather than living in the past.