DEAR ABBY: I am a 22-year-old inmate. Two years ago, one of my best friends was killed by a drunk driver. When I was sentenced for theft and incarcerated here, I learned that the guy who killed my buddy is also doing time in this correction center.
For the longest time, I hated the guy who killed my pal. But after a while I started feeling bad for him. He has to live for the rest of his life with the fact that he killed someone because he got behind the wheel when he was wasted.
At first, all I wanted to know was what happened that night. But after time went by, I ended up wanting to forgive him. When I told my friend's wife, "Trisha," that I was getting to know this guy, she got really angry.
I understand how Trisha feels, but she's not the only one whose life was wrecked that night. I lost a good buddy and I'm trying to forgive the man who's responsible. Am I on the right track here, Abby? -- ONE-DAY-AT-A-TIMER IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR ONE-DAY-AT-A-TIMER: I think you are. However, to forgive -- or not to forgive -- is a personal decision. I understand the widow's pain and anger, but she should not judge you for choosing to divest yourself of the burden of hate. Hate corrodes the vessel that carries it.