You Apologized — Now What? Why Saying Sorry Isn’t Enough
Owning Your Apologies: Why Accountability Matters More Than Acceptance
I am introducing a new series to add to my Medium List Library Dear You. In this series of open letters, I dive into life’s most challenging moments, sharing personal reflections on hard truths and lessons learned. It’s about embracing discomfort, sparking growth, and inspiring others to confront challenges with courage.
Dear You,
You apologized; now what? Did you pump out your chest, grin hard, and whisper that you did a good deed for the day? Apologies are supposed to keep us humble and correct a character flaw within us; it’s usually not because of the other person. If you find yourself apologizing because it “feels good,” then stop apologizing. Why? Because you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.
Why Apologies Aren’t About You
Apologizing is taking accountability for what you’ve said or done to someone else, and that’s where it should stop. Your job isn’t to dictate how the recipient should receive the response to your apology. Apologizing frees you and allows you to be vulnerable in your weaknesses. How they choose to deal with your apology is no longer your business.
