OK, you goofed again, and even though you don't want to admit it anyone, lest alone yourself, between you and I, we know you made a mistake - why else would you be drawn to the first lines of this article?
Hold on a sec, before you click close and jump unto something else. There is nothing as difficult as saying those two simple words - I'm sorry.
Relationships have been broken, life long friendships that have otherwise known bliss, in an instant are dissolved, and countries have gone to war over this. Long, needless divorce proceedings have taken place in courts, and all because one party couldn't say I'm sorry.
Life can be funny, and sometimes, we find ourselves hurting the people we love the most, not accidentally, sometimes we do it ignorantly, but pride never seems to get the better of us.
What Do You Do When You've Hurt a Loved One?
There are two kinds of people - those who shoot off "I"m sorry' at every instant, that it is even more played than the top ten records. If you keep saying sorry for the same offenses you commit, the question to ask is - are you really sorry? And if you are, what are you doing about it?
Or you could be the other extreme - the kind of person that never apologizes because you view any form of apologies as a let down on your part, or a feat that is quite unnecessary.
Neither of the two are right. So, what should you do when you need to say "I"m sorry?'
Step One: Admit Your Mistake to Yourself
The first step in saying sorry is realizing that you are wrong and you have made a mistake.
Step Two: Admit Your Mistake to the Person You have Offended
When you realize you have made a mistake, you will see the need to apologize.
Step Three: Say the Words "I'm Sorry"
Admitting you are wrong and apologizing, take note, are two different things. Admitting you are wrong is simply that - it's taking responsibility for what you have done. Apologizing - saying the words - says you didn't mean to do it. Admitting your mistake without apologizing is as good as saying - "yeah, I did it, on purpose!"
Step Four: Give Some Space
Sometimes you say the words, and within seconds, the magic happens and you get a large reward smile from the person you have offended. Some other times, it takes more than words to make the magic happen, sometimes the magic never happens. Words might never be able to mend the situation, but having said the words is a giant leap in the right direction. When you've said the words, it's time to step aside and give some space, and let time take its effect.
Step Five: Don't Do It Again
This is the most important step. I'm sorry means "I apologize for the wrong I have done, I admit my mistake but I wish I had not done it". The one true way to show you are really sorry is by making sure your mistake is not repeated again. If you plan on repeating what you are apologizing for, there is no point in making an apology.
So now, you're geared up with all the information you need, just in case you know someone who isn't speaking to you, and you know it's all your fault, it's time to swallow your pride, and go over and say those words. Good luck!
cool article.