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I’m. Sorry.

Two small words.  Immeasurably large impact.

I’m sorry. 

So simple.  So eloquent.  So rarely offered.

Why is that?

Saying I'm Sorry

Why is it when some have harmed us, intentionally or not, literally or not, gleefully or not, they find it difficult to say, “I’m sorry.”

Why is that so damned hard?

Here’s what I want when I’m the one harmed: Just tell me, in the sincerest manner you can muster, that you are sorry (tears and a quivering lip would be a nice touch and will most likely speed my forgiveness.  oh, and cake.  yes.  chocolate cake.  now you know just how easy i am).  Use these two words: I’m. Sorry.  Maybe throw in a please forgive me? to drive your point home.

Then, give me a minute.  Most likely I’ll not only forgive you, but our relationship will be stronger because you thought enough about us to put yourself in such a vulnerable position.

YES!  Of course I forgive you.  Apology accepted.  Just never ever never do it again.  Um, where’s the cake?

See?  I’m a reasonable gal.

What you shouldn’t then do is pad the apology with the reasons of why you did what you did, or why/how you think I contributed, or that it was just a joke.  Sheesh, can’t you take a joke? 

Jokes I can take.  Bad behavior masquerading as comedy, not so much.

Listen, I know some folks have a hard time with a sincere apology.  They assume it’s a weakness they’d rather not bear.  I’ve talked about this before.  Many equate an apology’s vulnerability with weakness.  In fact the opposite is true.  Just ask anyone who has been the one offering the apology because of some bonehead move they made; ask them if only a weakling could properly apologize.

To say I’m sorry and mean it…to stop at those two words….to not know if the other person will accept your apology, takes courage.

When I’ve screwed up (oh man, how many times have I screwed up?!), I try like hell to get the apology right.  My family and my beloved friends mean more to me than my pride.  Even if it means begging for forgiveness.

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE, FORGIVE ME!

Life is just too danged short not to set things right.

I know it can be hard.  I know it’s uncomfortable.  I know you might have to bake a chocolate cake.  But, goodness gracious, let us all practice the art of the apology with each other.

APOLOGIZE, DAMNIT!

Dang.  That might have been a bit harsh.  I’m sorry.

Can you please forgive me?

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE, FORGIVE ME!

~off to bake your cake~

 

 

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Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself)

Wednesday 18th of November 2015

So true, small words, but when heart felt mean the world. Love your take on it, thanks for sharing :D

Patti Tucker

Thursday 19th of November 2015

Thanks, Rocio.

Dia @ All The Things I Do

Tuesday 17th of November 2015

I love this post. I broke out in tears yesterday thinking about all the horrible things happening in the world and how at the end of the day love is the cure. We hold on to so much negatively life is too short not to love. An apology shouldnt be hard when you love someone

Patti Tucker

Tuesday 17th of November 2015

World events of late, are overwhelming and you're right that love will go a long way.

Okay Universe, You've Had Your Fun

Thursday 19th of June 2014

[…] know what I have done to piss you off, but I want to take this opportunity to say I’m sorry.  I am heartily sorry for offending you.  Please forgive me.   […]

Shannon @ Of The Hearth

Wednesday 18th of June 2014

Great take on saying "I'm sorry." It's such a simple phrase, but so hard to say sometimes. As long as it is said sincerely, it works!

Mrs. Tucker

Wednesday 18th of June 2014

Agreed, agreed, agreed.

Melissa @ Simply Sweets by Honeybee

Tuesday 17th of June 2014

Fantastic post! I know I'm guilty of not saying sorry when I should or saying sorry but trying to rationalize why I did what I did. You are right. We need to just say we're sorry & have it be sincere.

Mrs. Tucker

Tuesday 17th of June 2014

Yes, yes, and yes: say we're sorry and be sincere without any rationalizing. So true.

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