By Doctors Gary and Greg Smalley from the DNA of Parent-Teen Relationships   

One way to picture what can happen is to imagine your offended teen as someone who has been out in cold weather too long. After the skin becomes numb, he or she can no longer feel the painful wind. In the same way, some teens seem indifferent or callous toward a parent because the relationship has gone on so long without the warmth of forgiveness for offenses committed. Once you seek forgiveness, however, it's like soaking that numb skin in warm water. Although the warm bath (forgiveness) is healthy, it doesn't bring instant relief. Instead, it initially causes a painful, tingling sensation. It first makes the skin feel worse before it begins to feel better. Likewise, it might take your hurting teenager some time to warm up to your forgiveness.