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Landscape of Relationships: Apologies
What is an apology?
- An apology is a regretful acknowledgement of an offense or failure.
Dr. Harriet Lerner
- Author of 2017’s “Why Don’t You Apologize: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts”
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- “When we don’t get an apology that we deserve, it can crack the foundation of a relationship.”
- Regardless of the situation, the rules of apology are the same.
- Say your sorry
- Acknowledge the damage caused
- Resist the temptation to say “but”
- Take responsibility for your actions
- Don’t say “but”
- “I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings, but you need to grow a thicker skin.”
- Focus on your actions and not the other person’s response
- “I’m sorry you feel that way”
- “I’m sorry if you took what I said as offensive.”
- KISS: Keep it simple, stupid.
- Correct your behavior.
- Stay consistent
- Intend to heal, not silence
- Do no harm
- Recognizing “I’m sorry” is just a part of it.
- “If only our passion to understand others were as great as our passion to be understood. Were this so, all our apologies would be truly meaningful and healing.” – Harriet Lerner
Responding to Criticism
- Recognize your defensiveness.
- Breathe
- Listen only to understand.
- Ask questions about whatever you don’t understand.
- Find something you can agree with.
- Apologize for your part. Period.
- Let the offended party know they have been heard and that you will continue to think about the conversation.
- Thank the critical person for sharing their feelings.
- Take the initiative to bring the conversation up again.
- Draw the line at insults
- Don’t listen when you can listen well.
- Define your differences.
Why don’t people apologize?
- Family history
- Personal view
- Men don’t apologize, Women over-apologize
- Perfectionism
- Self-esteem
- Shame and guilt
- “When our identity and sense of worth are at risk of being diminished or annihilated, we will not be able to offer a true apology and face all that the challenge of earning back trust entails.”
- “Remember: despite how open, peaceful and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves. “ – Matt Kahn
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