The most important lesson I've ever learned has been to say "I'm sorry". Saying sorry and meaning it has been a most difficult thing for me and for most people. The thing is: when you acknowledge that you have had a part or are responsible for hurting others, whether it be words, actions, or attitudes, to go back and acknowledge how you've hurt someone and be truly sorry that you did opens up a relationship that could have or was damaged. Saying sorry takes a humbling attitude and believe me it is humbling. At first, my pride always gets in the way, because "I'm right", but then on reflection even if I am right, if I was 10% wrong, saying sorry will bridge the gap. It takes a lot of inside fortitude to take the next step or be the "bigger person" if you may. In my past I have had to go to those who I have hurt and apologize for hurting them.
Why it is most important is because ruined relationships are harder to build than forgiven relationships. If you say sorry right away, accept it and move on sincerely, the other person is more likely to be your friend and respect you more than if you had stubbornly gone on your way and not said anything. As I stated earlier, I have had to go and apologize for either words or actions, but the relationship that was rebuilt was far more worth it than my pride or my stubbornness. All in all, saying sorry is far better than not.
Sorry is one of the hardest words to say. Sometimes, that's all you need to say...no extra words are needed.
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