How to Start a Letter to Someone Who Wronged You

When someone wrongs you, as a victim, the feelings that result may be a challenge to overcome. You may feel hurt, betrayal, anger, bitterness and mistrust because of the incident. Left unabated, these feelings may grow to the point where they begin to affect your sense of peace. As you explore your feelings, you may decide to write a letter to someone who wronged you. Your letter can be an effective way to communicate your feelings and it may even enable you to forgive.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Think about your feelings carefully before you start the letter. Spend some time in quiet contemplation to determine what feelings you have about the incident. Talk to a trusted confidant or adviser, if necessary, to help you make sense of your feelings.

• 2

  Write down thoughts and feelings on paper to help you organize your thinking. Enumerate the perceived wrongs and any evidence you have of the wrongdoing.

• 3

  Open the letter with a salutation directly to the person who hurt you. For example, write, "Dear Steve," to begin the letter.

• 4

  Begin the letter objectively, without including any reference to feelings. Give a complete report about the wrong without injecting any opinions or feelings. Start at the beginning of the situation and compile a complete history of the entire situation. Keep your report factual and succinct, but include every pertinent detail in your report.