After all this time providing therapy and facilitating mediations, a few things still surprise me. Chief among them is the difficulty for so many to simply say: I’m sorry.

I bring this up today because, this morning, a client texted me asking–if I say I’m sorry, I am weak?

For so many, saying “I’m sorry” means weakness, desperation, or shame.

But, I believe just the opposite. Saying “I’m sorry” conveys courage, strength, and wisdom.

I should probably disclose that I, like so many others, spent many years avoiding apologies and, yes, I was one of those people who always had to be “right.” So, I credit my husband with showing me the power of an apology. He never shied away from giving one when it was due, and I never thought he was “weak” for doing so.

As mediators and those involved in conflict resolution, haven’t you been amazed at the power of an apology? How, many times, that’s all one party wants to hear, and the deal is done? Well, I am. Constantly. So, here’s to apologizers everywhere–and those who are “in training.”

Britt

http://www.theolivebranchblog.com/2014/05/22/2277/