An apology doesn't mean anything if you don't mean it
Sometimes I am given great topics to write about just because I am out there living life to the fullest, experiencing as much as possible. I meet people from all walks of life and am continually exposed to different cultures. This is what I really love about my world.
Yesterday I received an apology, actually two from someone. As I read it and re-read it, I realized that it wasn't an apology, it was just words so that the person could get themselves out of a spot of bother. They didn't care less about the apology, but were probably advised to do so.
Yesterday I received an apology, actually two from someone. As I read it and re-read it, I realized that it wasn't an apology, it was just words so that the person could get themselves out of a spot of bother. They didn't care less about the apology, but were probably advised to do so.
They used the word "sincerely" yet it was then completed with a back-handed comment highlighting that they were not apologizing for what they had done, because they quite simply think they have done nothing wrong, but apologized because it was the only way in which they can avoid a bigger disaster.
I gave it to my lawyer and a psychiatrist to make sure that I wasn't reading it wrong. I also didn't have my glasses on so I wasn't sure that I had fully got the message as it was intended. Sure enough, there is not apology. There is just words saying apology and backed by other words that are meant to make it sound more sincere yet the back handed comment showed that the person was not genuine and really isn't giving me the respect I deserve. I did no wrong - he did.
If someone apologises and you know its not genuine, what do you do?
- You walk away and forget about it - it's not your job to teach them the lesson
- You think long and hard about how it affects all parts of your life and make a decision with counsel from people you respect and trust.
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comments ( 2 )
Jesse Hunter
10 Sep 2015I agree with Patricia, I think it totally depends on the situation.
ReplyIf there is going to be ongoing business or communication with this person i think the issue needs to be resolved otherwise you will always have a constant sense of distrust and uncertainty when dealing with them. However, if this is the last encounter with this person, forget about it.
Patricia Taylor - Business Loan Officer
08 Sep 2015It depends on the situation. I've learned that I have to pick my battles. I have found that most of the time it's not worth the effort to point out the folly.
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