“To err is human… to forgive, divine,” 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope famously noted.

But offering forgiveness without seemingly giving-up core principles is no easy task.

In the latest Prager University video course, Dr. Stephen Marmer of UCLA Medical School explains why this is so and how you can overcome the negative emotions that are holding you back from being a happier person.

“There are three different kinds of forgiveness for three different sets of circumstances,” explains Marmer.

• Exoneration – Essentially wiping the slate clean.  This mode is used after accidents, when children are involved, or if someone is truly contrite about their actions or behaviors.

• Forbearance –  “Trust but verify.”  This type is suited to occasions when someone is only partially sorry for an incident, and shifts blame.

• Release –  Not allowing others to live rent-free in your head.  Holding grudges and other toxic emotions for actions taken by someone (e.g., spouse, business partner) who was trusted, but completely abused that trust and caused significant harm, can do more damage to the victim.  Marmer encourages people not to allow others to define their lives by past hurts.

Marmer, the host of this Prager University Life Study course, is currently affiliated with the Ronald Reagan University of California Los Angeles Medical Center.