Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Thankful For Apologies

Life doesn't go by without there being at least one moment in which you are wronged. The act of something happening to you, perceived or real is something that occurs. How you deal and react to this is very important. Do you allow yourself to be brought down, to ruin your day and effect all that you do, hopefully not.

Yet it is how we react the apology another gives us that can have a great impact. Many times, when someone tells you they are 'sorry' for what they have done, how do you respond? A great many people will respond with, 'not a problem, its okay.' And why we say that when many times it did effect us is an odd thing.

That person whom is wishing to extend an apology is attempting to 'right a wrong' and acknowledge that you were hurt or offended. If you respond as noted above is diminishing or making light of their attempt. In one way, it is returning a hurtful message that the apology is really meaningless to you.

You should respond with kindness and thankfulness to that person. A simple thank you to them acknowledges the apology and it begins a process of reconciliation of the relationship. All of this will allow you to let go of the 'wrong' and move on with life. Not doing so will allow the issue to linger, which will impact both your life and that of the other person. Apologies are like gifts, be thankful for them.

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