NEVER TOO LATE TO SAY SORRY

“A meaningful apology is one

that communicates three R’s:

regret, responsibility and remedy.”

— Beverley

Engel, psychotherapist

and author on and Sheila were high-school sweethearts when he went off to college. They kept in touch over phone, but one day they had a major disagreement, which ended in Ron screaming out that they should break up.

However, the breakup left Ron feeling miserable and so, over one weekend, he drove all the way to Sheila’s home in Naperville. He met her mother who informed him that Sheila wasn’t home, but he chose to stay there and wait for her. When Sheila came home, she was shocked to see Ron there. Ron apologised for his behaviour. “I told her what a fool I was. She was the woman I loved, the woman I wished to spend my life with. We’ve been married now for 25 years!”

This true incident exhibits the power of a sincere apology. Offering an apology begins the process of healing a relationship that has been severed.

Ostensibly, saying “I am sorry” is one of the simplest tasks in the world. In actuality, it can be hard to apologise. This could be because of ego, embarrassment or fear that the apology will be rejected.

Apologising, however, does not always mean you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just signifies that your relationship is more valuable than your ego. Asking for forgiveness will help you release your guilt and overcome your arrogance. It will, in turn, help you to reconnect with the person you hurt and you shall not repeat the misdemeanour.

My dear readers, I wish that you accept responsibility for your actions. If you’re incapable of asking forgiveness — when you are in the wrong — it’s a sign of a character flaw. Rather than dillydally about it apologise for your words or deeds. It is also important that you don’t just say you are sorry; prove it with your actions. Remind yourself that you’ve nothing to lose and instead a lot to gain. Most likely, the person you’ve offended will receive your apology courteously and it shall dissipate the anger and heal the hurt.