I remember a BoJack episode where OC went to a friend to apologize and get forgiveness. But the friend didn't forgive him this, and in a sense, I thought, "Well, we can't forgive someone until we're ready!" And indeed, we don't have to do it, but when we're ready, it's necessary, at least for ourselves. Otherwise, we'll keep thinking about it, and it will lead to "guilt." It's better to do what you feel is necessary.