“I am sorry.”

While just three simple words, many people won’t or can’t say them. How could that be?im-sorry

For some people saying “I am sorry” is almost impossible to do. For these people apologizing is frightening and may be based on their own insecurities and self-doubt. Rather than confronting their own fears, they consciously protect themselves while injuring their relationships with friends, family and co-workers.

The reasons to avoid offering an apology are many, but fear is the common culprit. One fear is that by apologizing to another, you will open up your personal “Pandora’s Box” which will expose your other failings and mistakes. It seems that this self-disclosure will only increase the anxiety and fear that you are trying to avoid in the first place. Thus, it is better to not say that you are sorry, even if you are wrong. Sound familiar?

Shame is another emotion to be avoided by some. By owning up to a mistake, the aftermath is shame and that hurts a lot. It hurts because admitting that you made a mistake and apologizing seems to mean that you are a bad person. In truth, good people will make bad choices. These bad choices won’t define your character unless the poor choices are habitual such as lying or have extraordinary consequences such as physical abuse. The fear of shame is deep seated and can come from early childhood experiences.

Thus, by avoiding the responsibility for your poor choices and not apologizing for them, you can stay in control and regulate your emotions. The flaw in this thinking is that apologizing will lead to bad feelings. In fact, the opposite is typically true. It may take some bravery to step up and take responsibility for your actions; yet, it can be very therapeutic to say that you are sorry. The follow on wave of emotion after an apology can include an incredible sense of relief and provide the platform for better decisions and healthier relationships in the future.

Made a poor choice? How about you say that you are sorry? You will feel better for it.

John Bradley Jackson
Author, Entrepreneur, Professor
© Copyright 2015
All rights reserved

My new book “Socially Close” is now available! Please buy my book at www.johnbradleyjackson.com!

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3 Comments
  1. Jamie Warner

    This article reminded me how important courage is to maintaining good character. Lies happen if you have fear, trap you, and risk your character while always being honest builds your character, respect, and trustworthiness. Thanks JJ!

    • John Bradley Jackson

      “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

      – Mark Twain

  2. JJ, this is so true and so refreshing to read your opinion on this. This is how we model responsibility for our actions and growth for our children. We are all human. We all make mistakes, it’s how we grow. Being afraid to acknowledge them is only hurting not just others, but ourselves in the process.

    Sincerely,
    Dana

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