The Right Way to Say 'I'm Sorry' - The New York Times - 1 views
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Most people say “I’m sorry” many times a day for a host of trivial affronts – accidentally bumping into someone or failing to hold open a door. These apologies are easy and usually readily accepted, often with a response like, “No problem.”
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But when “I’m sorry” are the words needed to right truly hurtful words, acts or inaction, they can be the hardest ones to utter.
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Expecting nothing in return, I was greatly relieved when my doorbell rang and the neighbor thanked me warmly for what I had said and done.
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She disputes popular thinking that failing to forgive is bad for one’s health and can lead to a life mired in bitterness and hate.
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Offering an apology is an admission of guilt that admittedly leaves people vulnerable. There’s no guarantee as to how it will be received.
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‘I’m sorry’ are the two most healing words in the English language,” she said. “The courage to apologize wisely and well is not just a gift to the injured person, who can then feel soothed and released from obsessive recriminations, bitterness and corrosive anger.
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We are very easy with saying "sorry" when it is completely unnecessary to perform our politeness because we know for sure that others will respond with a "No problem". However, when it comes to the real times that a "sorry" is very essential, we become very reluctant on saying that since the recipient is very likely to reject the apology. Giving an apology for our wrong behavior can release us from guilt and bitterness. Apology should not be an ask for forgiveness, it is a communication between two people, a reviewing on ourselves. Apologies shouldn't be begging for forgiveness, it should be a self-reflection. --Sissi (1/31/2017)