Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word Essay Example

an excuse in disguise. It happens when the offender apologizes without truly feeling sorry for their actions or wanting to reconcile.

It is an attempt to avoid conflict. They may recognize the other party is hurt, but not accept responsibility. They may blame the offended party for their own hurt, or throw a pity party to weasel their way out of blame. Celebrities often give empty apologies due to public outcry. There are many different ways we selfishly apologize, here are just a few: The Conditional Apology: Beware of the word “if”. This type of apology fails to acknowledge the consequences of our actions. Maybe we hurt someone, or maybe we didn’t.

Who’s to say? Public apologies given by politicians, athletes, actors, and public officials are notorious for using the “if” apology. Arnold Schwarzenegger on his sexual harassment charges apologized, “If anyone was offended, I apologize, because that was not my intention. ” An apology like this shifts the responsibility to anyone but themselves, as if the hurt they caused is hypothetical. If you are truly sorry for something that you did replace “if I did that, I’m sorry,” with “I did that, and I’m sorry for it.

The Big But: No one can deny it. We have all said “I’m sorry, but” more than a couple times in our life. A perfectly good apology is immediately contradicted by inserting the word “but”. Rather than admitting to the wrongdoing it justifies our actions, thereby freeing us of responsibility. The Blame Game: How many times have you been the recipient of “I’m sorry you feel that way. ”? This is a common bad

apology, which deflects responsibility onto the offended person.

It is often said in an accusing tone of voice followed by a statement that justifies the actions of the offending person. In essence saying “It is your fault you feel this way and I can’t control your feelings, nor am I responsible for them. Sincere Apologies A sincere apology can be a powerful tool used to bring peace, stop arguments and restore broken relationships. Furthermore we express these apologies through the compassion we have for others and out of respect. Here are a few of the ways we sincerely apologize.