Forgiveness!

From time immemorial we have been asked to forgive others when they harm or hurt us. Children are taught forgiveness by parents who hardly ever practice it themselves. We read scriptures exhorting us to forgive, and assuring us of the rewards in the hereafter. I too have learnt forgiveness from my elders and from the teachings (though I have not practiced it always). I do believe it is very noble to forgive. I also have understood experientially that forgiveness heals oneself of stress, unpleasant thoughts, and negative attitude. So far so good.

But of late I have been pondering over one doubt. Doesn't forgiving someone mean that I am putting myself on a higher pedestal? Do I have a right to forgive? Isn't it a "Holier than Thou" attitude, where I have taken it for granted that I am the aggrieved party, and that the other person has done something wrong?

I feel somewhere we need to re-structure the concept. What I need to do if I am hurt or angry with someone's words or actions, is to acknowledge that he is different. He has opinions or attitudes that are not congruent with mine. I can acknowledge that my feelings have been badly disturbed. And then I can tell myself that my anger or hatred for the person can only spoil my emotions, my actions, and indeed my life. So, if I learn to overcome the feelings that are disturbing me, I can get the person out of my thoughts, and I can be very comfortable with my own self.

Can anyone give their comments on whether what I am thinking is practical and feasible?