WHO'S SORRY?

Ever wonder why apologizing is so difficult? It's because we want to be right. It's because we don't want to admit that we are wrong. It's because we want to have the final say whether we were right or wrong.

We allow damage to occur in relationships when we allow our stubbornness to prevent us from admitting that making an apology could remedy and heal a situation. I saw a video recently of a popular TV judge talking to prison inmates about the reason they were incarcerated. She mentioned "because somebody disrespected you, because somebody said something, and here you are serving time over some foolishness." 

I wondered to myself how short the argument or fight could have been if both parties agreed to agree, or agreed to disagree? While that may not be a formal type of "I'm sorry" or "I apologize," I feel pretty certain that stepping away from an encounter represents an unspoken act of "somebody is wrong here, and maybe it's me. Let's forget it. I'm sorry." Particularly in cases of actions speaking louder than words ever could, it's worth trying this because it works. It's called "emotional intelligence" and it's a game changer.

Would you rather let a rift create a permanent break, burning of a bridge, or closing a door? Depending on the reason, that answer might be yes. However, if it's valuable relationship, if there is way too much to lose, if the rift is not worth the negative results, and IF a simple and sincere apology fixes the whole "thing" or repairs the damage, it's probably a small price to pay.

You'll have to decide the value. Just remember that an apology is free, but the costs for the losses may be quite pricey, and may last a lifetime. ~ S.R.F.