The The Art of Manliness is a website that frequently has information that Catholic Dads may want to review. It doesn’t claim to be Catholic, but it does speak to being a gentleman and provide practical advice about things men have known in previous generations but are not being taught now. Here is an excerpt from their latest article in the Relationship & Family section – I left out the best parts here so you will check it out there.
“I’m sorry.” Two simple words and yet two of the hardest to say. We easily utter them in response to trivial matters like accidentally jostling a stranger on the subway or giving the cashier the wrong change. Yet in important matters and to those who mean the most to us, we can find ourselves practically choking on the words. But the inability to apologize can critically wound all of our relationships, from home to work. Learning how to properly apologize is a necessary step in moving from boy to man.
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Ah, that's where I've been going wrong. I thought it was three words, "I'm sorry but…"
If you want to know how to make a perfect apology look at the form of the sacrament of Confession.
1. State what you did wrong (with no special pleading or excuses)
2. Show an understanding of why what you did was wrong
3. Make an offer of restitution
4. Make a sincere promise to never do it again.
People should apologize to a Love One with the same seriousness they go to Confession and they should go to Confession with the same sincerity in which they make an apology to a Loved One.
I concede, PackerBronco's comment is more profound than mine and very fine advice.
Thank you for the great advice on how to apologize. I had an issue at work today and am in need of how to go about apologizing to a few co-workers. PackerBronco's advice is perfect, it illustrates all the elements I need to include. Thanks, the website, The Art of Manilness, comes through once more.