The Importance of Being Sorry

What is the point of saying "sorry" if we are not? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to everyone if we were honest? Once we have lied - and yes, I consider saying "sorry" when we are not a lie - we are forced to live that lie. 

I believe there is a big difference between saying, "I'm sorry," and actually being sorry. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words. For that reason, I do not appreciate it when people say "sorry" without having thought about why they are sorry first. Their half-hearted apologies are fluffy, and practically meaningless. They use "sorry" as a cover-up to avoid an argument. For some people, "sorry" has become a reflex, triggered by a fear of being in trouble.

Okay...maybe I am being a little harsh, but I promise there is validity to my concern. Apologies should not get watered down, but they tend to when it becomes the hundredth time you have had to apologize to the same person about the same problem. How do we then bypass the argument/apology process we are so tired of repeating? In order to avoid this downward spiral, we must make a conscious effort to identify the problem and find a solution. When we don't give enough attention to an argument, or an apology, the issue never gets resolved. 

When someone actually is sorry, rather than just claiming to be, it creates a healthy foundation for relationships to flourish. I have not been the best at actually saying the words, but I do see their importance. These words are equally important to the recipient as they are to the person apologizing. By saying them, we are openly admitting that we have done something wrong. These words also show that we are aware, and care for, the other persons feelings.

If someone has said "sorry," they have at least acknowledged the fact that they should be. That is a huge step! Some people never get there. Our message will be heard more clearly if it is said with grace and compassion, rather than aggression. My father once told me, "use honey instead of salt" when you are trying to get your point across, because then it will be better received.

Once we have taken the time to be sorry, we will be free. Let's free ourselves from the bondage of pride, and have the courage to admit there is a need for change. When we refuse to reevaluate our past decisions, there is little room to improve the decisions we make in the future. The leaders and heroes of this world are not faultless. They have taken advantage of the mistakes they have made, by learning from them. The people who did not learn from their mistakes continued to make them. We have the ability to shake our pride, and apologize for the wrong acts we have committed. When we strive to live a sincere life, there will be true progress.