UNAPOLOGETICALLY APOLOGETIC

Meaningful apologies are very important for the success of relationships, whether platonic or romantic. If you want to keep the relationship healthy for a long time, you need to say sorry when you're wrong and do so with genuinity. Let’s be real, there is a difference between "I am sorry for what I did or said" and “I hate that you feel that way.” The latter is not an apology! It only means that they are sorry that you took offense but not sorry for what they’ve said or done to offend you! Furthermore, it's also a red flag that screams they’re likely to do the same thing in the future. 

Say Sorry And Mean It!

When you apologize, be sure that you mean what you say. You have to say sorry and genuinely mean it. Giving an apology the wrong way is the same as not apologizing at all. Apologizing helps re-establish trust and compassion for the person you hurt. Let the other party know that you were wrong, releasing any blame that they may subconsciously be placing on themselves. This not only helps them feel better about the situation, but also makes them feel valued, and let’s them know that their presence in your life is very much appreciated.

When you apologize sincerely, you let that person know that you're not proud of your behavior or choice of words, and that you honor that relationship that you’ve two built and make them feel secure about the issue being a non recurrence. Doing this also let’s that person know that you're a kind person, who doesn't intentionally hurt others, and that you focus on your better virtues. It’s also a huge sign of maturity and emotional intelligence. 

It’s no secret that apologizing repairs relationships and ignites healthy communication between parties. But what it also does is make them feel comfortable with each other again. Apologizing is the first step to healing relationships, the next step is of course changed behavior!

What Happens When We Don't Apologize?

Refusing to apologize only damages your relationships that you know you internally value the most. This attitude can also harm your reputation. No one wants to deal with someone who refuses to take responsibility or accountability for their own actions. Furthermore, someone who doesn’t know how to take accountability shows emotional immaturity. Not apologizing for the bad things you do or say is a negative attitude, and no one wants to be around negativity as it affects the people around you. How can anyone trust you if you're so willing to inflict emotional pain on others’, and feel no remorse about it? 

An apology cannot undo what has already been done, but it will help ease the pain, hurt, and tension of the aftermath. Saying sorry gives hope for rebuilding. Sometimes, we may not realize the hurt we create around us by not taking responsibility for our own actions. Learn to say sorry if you did or said something to hurt another.

The words "I'm sorry" are worth more than a lifetime of explanations and excuses. It is time to make a change. Choose to be humble. Choose love above pride & ego. Choose the path of healing and start apologizing for your wrong doing.