Someone once asked me why I say "I'm sorry" so often. At first, I just thought he was being silly - I don't say it that much. But after thinking about it, I realized that, yeah, I do say it - a lot.
I bet a counselor would have a field day with the question... Am I feeling guilty about something? Am I blaming myself for something? Do I think I'm responsible for taking care of everyone else?
I suppose it could be any of those things. But, I have a different take.
Sorry means many different things. It can be an apology, sure - but it can also express sympathy, empathy or frustration. It can even be sarcastic.
If someone tells me they had a bad day, I usually respond with, "I'm sorry." I'm not apologizing to him for having a bad day - unless, of course, I contributed to it somehow [hey, it happens]. Usually, I'm being empathetic, with a touch of sympathy rolled in - I have a lot of bad days, or at least bad parts to my days. I can certainly relate, and I wouldn't wish my days on anyone, believe me.
Sometimes, I just want a person to know that I 'get' it. That I understand. I suppose there are a lot of ways to say that - but "I'm sorry" is short, sweet and to the point (just like me!).
Make no mistake, I do plenty wrong that warrants an apology. I will apologize for the smallest thing, too, because that's how I was raised. I was taught to own up to my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions. So, if I say or do something that is rude or inappropriate or mean, I apologize [unless of course the recipient deserved it].
So don't misunderstand me....I'm not looking to take blame (or credit) for anything. I'm not signing up to make you happy as my full time job. I just think that the world would be a nicer place if more people actually listened, and at least tried to understand what the other person has to say.
I'm sorry if you don't agree with me.
If someone tells me they had a bad day, I usually respond with, "I'm sorry." I'm not apologizing to him for having a bad day - unless, of course, I contributed to it somehow [hey, it happens]. Usually, I'm being empathetic, with a touch of sympathy rolled in - I have a lot of bad days, or at least bad parts to my days. I can certainly relate, and I wouldn't wish my days on anyone, believe me.
Make no mistake, I do plenty wrong that warrants an apology. I will apologize for the smallest thing, too, because that's how I was raised. I was taught to own up to my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions. So, if I say or do something that is rude or inappropriate or mean, I apologize [unless of course the recipient deserved it].
So don't misunderstand me....I'm not looking to take blame (or credit) for anything. I'm not signing up to make you happy as my full time job. I just think that the world would be a nicer place if more people actually listened, and at least tried to understand what the other person has to say.
I'm sorry if you don't agree with me.
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