Saying "I'm sorry"
Christianity Today has a fairly extensive collection of articles about marriage dating back to 1996. It's good reading. The articles cover topics ranging from money and spirituality to communication and sex. One article in particular caught my eye. It is titled Don't Say You're Sorry and examines how the words I'm sorry can often ring hollow and make things worse. I personally have found it much more effective to admit specifically when I'm wrong and explain to my wife how and why I failed to take her feelings into account. When she knows that I understand how I hurt her feelings, she's more willing to listen and forgive, especially when I've acted out of a lack of information or insight.
I'm sorry by itself usually accomplishes nothing. True apology and repentance, however, can bring a quick end to an argument and start the reconciliation.
This brings to mind quotes from a couple of movies.
From Love Story:
OLIVER BARRET IV (Ryan O'Neal)
Love means never having to say you're sorry.From What's Up, Doc?
JUDY MAXWELL (Barbra Streisand)
Love means never having to say you're sorry.
HOWARD BANNISTER (Ryan O'Neal)
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.
Update: In the comments section, Matt has pointed out that I misspelled Ms. Streisand's first name. That is now corrected. I must admit that I had no idea anyone ever purposely spelled Barbara without the second a. A search of the Internet Movie Database, however, turns up 19 actresses named Barbra. I learned something new today.
As a side note, nearly five years ago Matt pointed out the last word I spelled incorrectly. It was liaison and I had left out the second i.
