SAYING YOU'RE SORRY

By Vernalee

Someone has been hurt; their feelings are bruised; their anger shows. What do you do? Did you cause the problem? Does the other party think that you caused the problem? Does it really matter? Is too much emphasis placed on who did what rather than moving on? Does it matter who says "I'm sorry" first? Simple, but complex questions, these are! Some folks think that saying you're sorry and apologizing are signs of weakness. If you say you're sorry first, is it an admission of guilt or a posture of inferiority? Contrary to that popular belief, an acknowledgement of error is really a sign of strength. It takes great courage to come forth; to confront the issues. Dormancy signifies weakness; not strength. Sometimes, it doesn't matter who was wrong or right. Maybe, it was a misunderstanding or lack of clarity in communication. Regardless, saying your're sorry should not be a contest of victory or defeat. "I'm sorry are two of the strongest words in the dictionary. Don't be stubborn and lose or destroy what you have delicately taken time to build...because you can't utter the words. That's a posture for cowards; not selfless winners! Be the "bigger person" and not the biggest loser!

Photo credit: www.louise-armstrong.com