We don't like to say it and we don't always mean it, but despite the oft-quoted promise from the movie, love DOES mean saying you're sorry. Unfortunately the idea seems to have hung around long since the movie was put back on the shelf.
Is it a statement about society in general that we question the need to apologize even in our closest relationships? If saying sorry exposes us to confrontation or scrutiny, shouldn't we be willing to accept that from our loved ones?
If people feel that saying sorry diminishes the respect they receive from others, or brings their judgment (and their intelligence) into question - what kind of people CAN apologize freely? Can we expect it?
Perhaps the answer lies deeper than a person's perception of how they'll be viewed. What are the reasons for apologies?
Dr. Aaron Lazare gives his opinion on the motives for apologies in the article 'Go Ahead, Say Your Sorry' published by Psychology Today. He suggests the two positive reasons we apologize include the desire to restore or salvage a relationship and/or a deep seated empathy in which your apology may relieve or diminish the pain you've caused.
The less admirable reasons for an apology he identifies include the desire to escape punishment or the need to clear a guilty conscience - whether the other party was offended or not.
Clearly the first two reasons for apologizing make great claims towards creating happy, healthy relationships. Whether we are brought up to believe in admitting our guilt or not, taking a humble view of ourselves in order to benefit a relationship or an individual whom we've hurt is crucial in maintaining respect for one another.
While some individuals may not demand apologies from their partners, perhaps because they also believe it should not be required, there is a loss of respect between the couple when an apology is left unsaid. The offended has not had their pain acknowledged by the one they love. The offender now lives with the guilt or may start to believe their partner is not worthy of such acknowledgement.
In either case, the relationship suffers. On the other hand, frequent offenders may be too eager to apologize. Their constant display of humility forces the offended partner to accept behavior that should be questioned or challenged regardless of the appearance of repentance.
Accepting each other, faults and all, is a big part of a loving and enjoyable relationship. Not keeping tally of mistakes or judging weaknesses has its place, but a willingness to apologize for lapses of responsibility or good judgment will strengthen, rather than weaken, the bonds of a healthy relationship.
To get more information on how you can quickly enhance your love life and bring the 'passion' back into a relationship, visit http://www.becomehercasanova.com and to, get some great tips and tricks, sign up for our free, new newsletter.
There's something about America, our history, our values or maybe... Read More
If you have the nagging feeling that your husband may... Read More
1. Your spouse or partner spends excess time on-line. Who... Read More
Some soul mate couples refuse to grow. They refuse to... Read More
A genuine apology contains at least four elements: apology, acknowledgment,... Read More
Many women mistakenly believe they need to hire a private... Read More
Extreme Breakup Recovery Maximum Healing ? Minimum TimeIf you are... Read More
A strong, healthy relationship is one in which the partners... Read More
Your dream is so beautiful and it is never to... Read More
What is supposed to be the most romantic day of... Read More
People decide to have an affair for many reasons. They... Read More
A husband and wife were doing a little redecorating and... Read More
A quarter of thirtysomething couples are unhappy in their relationships,... Read More
The Law of Connection: Spouses are either growing closer or... Read More
So, tonight's the night. You want to have a Romantic... Read More
There are several things you can do, especially when your... Read More
There are approximately 2 million men in the prison system... Read More
Every relationship needs relief from the same old bedroom routine... Read More
Whether you caught him in bed with the local bimbo,... Read More
The fifth affair I outline in my book, "Break Free... Read More
There is a cool little game for spicing up your... Read More
Have you been blindsided by an unhappy spouse who suddenly... Read More
I've seen a lot in my life. A lot of... Read More
Do you remember when, as a small child at a... Read More
Have you ever felt that relationships are messy? These messes,... Read More
The art of romance and the art of Zen are... Read More
What is domestic abuse?There are many forms of domestic abuse,... Read More
Stan is an incurable romantic. Ever since he started courting... Read More
Do you want to put to rest the people and... Read More
RELATIONAL SUCCESS...Loving in the good times -- and the not-so-good... Read More
Many of us stumble into marriage and then continue to... Read More
I recently came across this quote:"There is a time in... Read More
"You can't hold on to a dime. Do you own... Read More
Finally, after all of the hard work you have done... Read More
Modern technology hasn't solved any of the problems of creating... Read More
Knowing her day can be dreadfully tiresome when she mounts... Read More
Have you been plagued by the nagging feeling that your... Read More
There is a cool little game for spicing up your... Read More
Do you agree that the best lessons are lessons given... Read More
Have you ever told your partner or spouse how you... Read More
If you are dating, engaged, or still trying to find... Read More
Are you dreading the holidays because you are single? For... Read More
Telling your man that you love him is part of... Read More
I hate moderation. I hate doing things moderately. I hate... Read More
Edith Piaf remains an icon and her best loved song,... Read More
So what's new in the world of spirituality and the... Read More
One kind of extramarital affair revolves around sexual addiction. The... Read More
Spring is in the air. It is a time of... Read More
Picture yourself at a bar with some of your buddies.... Read More
It's been said that love is blind. It may also... Read More
According to statistics, 50% to 70% of men cheat on... Read More
One minute you seem like lovesick turtledoves teasing, laughing and... Read More
A husband and wife were doing a little redecorating and... Read More
Throughout centuries, story tellers, and people from different background and... Read More
As the story goes, there was once a farmer and... Read More
I believe that we have all heard of the standard... Read More
Every now and then I hear a "relationship expert" say... Read More
Is your love relationship smooth? Have the both of you... Read More
We live in the world of the relative. What and... Read More
From my own personal experience of being involved in certain... Read More
It is surprising how many writers, psychologists, or scientists have... Read More
Are you looking for the Ideal Man? While my book... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 7,... Read More
"Men are all the same. Stop looking for Prince Charming,... Read More
A relationship requires intimacy. I don't think anyone would argue... Read More
This is a common concern in our society for single... Read More
Relationship |