A chance to forgive! Why didn't I think of that?

I read an article today about heartache and how some people say things that hurt us. These things that are said are not meant to hurt, but for some reason they linger around and pierce our feelings. We become discouraged or even angry. The article was saying that we should see these things as opportunities to forgive people. WOW. Why didn't I think of that? Sometimes I wonder at the negativity in my heart and surprise myself with how bitter I can become in a short second. I am not a bitter person, really. I am happy and people would describe me that way, why didn't I think of that?