The Power of Apology

When I was a kid, my dad apologized to me. I don’t remember what he did that prompted the apology, only what that act meant to me. I suddenly knew myself as someone who mattered: someone who mattered to my dad, who mattered as a full-fledged human being.

Making a sincere apology requires incredible strength of soul. It’s much easier to buy people off with praise or presents. I may find myself forgiven even if I never apologize, though I may not again be trusted. Actions that are not owned are, after all, more easily repeated. Conversely, a sincere apology can deepen not only the recipient’s self regard, but also my relationship with the recipient.

What are your experiences of apology—either giving or receiving one? Did the apology alter the relationship? If so, how?