Saying You Are Sorry In Your Own Way

A Builder and a Real Estate Developer amicably parted ways 1 1/2 years ago. The builder said the Real Estate Company did not know how to sell houses well. The Real Estate company said the houses were way to expensive for the market and were loaded up with too many upgrades and extras.

After parting ways and 1 1/2 years of not talking, this morning, the Builder called the Real Estate Developer complimenting their company on many other home sales and casually mentioning possible future dealings together, again.

The Real Estate Developer said to me "Isn't this odd?" My response was: "This was his apology."

Some of us can say we are sorry outright, upfront and immediately to the person whom we have offended. Others of us need time, different methods, venues and alternative words, or no words at all. Rather, some of us say we are sorry though various acts of kindness.

Fathers may give out unwarranted compliments, or presents. Husbands and boyfriends may bring flowers. Women may make a great meal or clean a room as a nice surprise. A friend may bring you a small gift for a different reason or in a different venue. Some of us may say we are sorry many, many months later during a calm moment.

Listen. Have patience. Never embarass the other person, chide or judge them harshly for not being able to apologize the way you may apologize. Everyone is different. They need to apologize in their own time, their own way. Accept the compliment. Accept the flowers or gift. Say thank you. Write that thank-you note for the gift. Turn that cheek. Take that leap of faith and forgive, forgive, forgive. Life is short. Life is good!