MASTER THE ART OF APOLOGY

The last decade saw me gain a second granddaughter, Taiga, who is now four. Layla, the first, is now 11. Having granddaughters, and living near to them has completely changed my perspective. They bring me so much joy, and if I’m a little off kilter, just spending time with them helps me regain my balance. I’m fortunate as they live near me.

The second biggest life change was going freelance. I’ve worked fulltime most of my life, and brought up my daughter as a single parent. I’m lucky to have always had a job that I absolutely love, and that is always interesting, but being my own boss means I can control my time, giving me the space to play more of a part in my granddaughters upbringing. I’m looking forward to the next decade. I’ll work on my new hobbies. I picked up the sport I played in my teens at St Andrews, golf, and I’ve been to pottery classes and thrown a few pots. I find that doing things which are a complete contrast to my work are great for the mind.

As for fashion, I intend to be as sustainable as possible. I’ll recycle my clothes, and buy less, but buy better so that things last.

Love and romance are often portrayed so rosily in our culture that the reality of a f lesh- andblood relationship may be disappointing by comparison. Ultimately, we need to accept our par tner s and our relationships as they are. W h e n we are hurt or har med, there is a choice to either retaliate or repair. If we retaliate the relationship will be heading for the emergency room. The pathway of repair and healing is the path of forgiveness. There are times when all of us should sincerely apologise. It takes a lot to admit you did something wrong. Don’t be afraid to admit you messed up. It happens to all of us. Someone who can swallow their pride and admit they’re in the wrong is a great contributor to a relationship. A genuine apology i n cl u d e s the pronoun “I” and does not include the word “but”.

It will take time for some people to accept an apology. They need this time. Just because we are ready to apologise and try to make amends, it doesn’t mean that the other person is also ready.

Even if this feels unfair, we need to respect their point of view.