I am sorry

Have you upset someone recently?
Are your moods wreaking havoc for others?
Do you think you were unnecessarily rude?
Was that unasked for opinion really necessary?
Do you seem to be making life hard for people around you?
Would that argument have continued if you were reasonable?
How big a deal was it really?
Have you been insensitive to others’ problems?
Does it really matter?
Did you intend to speak harshly?

Well, it is time to utter the magic words- “I am sorry.” Just saying it without meaning it is baseless, pointless and futile. But, if you are really sorry, ego shouldn’t come in the picture because you want to be forgiven. If you really want to make things right then honestly feeling apologetic and letting the other person know that you feel that way is so very important.

And people who are at the receiving end of the stick feel guilty/hurt/confused/over sensitive/ pressurized/uncared for/etc when subjected to the above treatment. Then, they may end up saying “I am sorry” instead of you. And it only causes further confusion. And if you are a jerk, you might not say anything and stress that other person further, or worse say “It’s OK” instead of “No! What are you saying? It’s my mistake! I am sorry!”

Sometimes it is a knee-jerk reaction that causes all the trouble. It is rare that people are inherently evil and obnoxious and want to purposely cause unpleasantries (but there are some like that). After all we are humans and we make mistakes. Knowing when one is wrong and trying to do things right is a mark of character. So, stop being a jerk and say I am sorry and mean it!