But what if they come back into my life?

I went out to eat last night with one of my closest friends--a friend who says what she thinks--and we talked about this forgiveness thing. I listened to what she said about a person in her own life who wounded her. Despite the person's perfunctory cards, etc., my friend will have none of it.

She said that the person (we shall call her Vickie) is only sending these notes to get back in with her for business reasons. Vickie is kind when it is profitable to her; otherwise, she will screw you every way but up. My friend asked me what the point is in forgiving Vickie because she will turn it into something profitable for her. She says that it is far more profitable to her to keep the relationship lopped off.

Can I reconcile it in my mind? A million times over. I have walked this same path with people over the years and walked away from them without regret. I understand my friend's decision to end her pain.

When does forgiveness hurt a person more than it helps them? Does God say "never". I need to know the answer.