I've heard a lot about cutting out toxic people, too, and there's certainly something to be said for not risking our own emotional health to stay in close contact with somebody who sends our blood pressure higher. However, forgiveness and keep the lines of communication open is the better way. We don't have to be best friends or eat Thanksgiving dinner every year with the troublemaker, but holding onto grudges and refusing to keep the door open for reconciliation is a bad and narrow way to live.