Breaking the Spell on I'm Sorry
Why do we apologize to other people when we have done nothing wrong?
Even where someone passes away we say “I’m sorry for your loss.” I get it it, you mean well, and it is meant to be a term of endearment. It is not accurate though.
I like to say you have my condolences and my sincere regard for your loss, and ask if there is anything I can do for you and your family if I feel moved to extend that. I didn’t cause that person to die, so I know I don’t need to say I’m sorry or apologize to that person.
I recently was looking to pick up some extra work, and the guy I was considering working for kept apologizing to me every single time he called me when he done nothing wrong, so I walked away.
Be straight up, clear, and accurate with people in your communications. It goes along way, and will help you break the spell of non-sense and programming being thrown at us today. And when you mess up, clean it up. That is the time and place for a sincere apology. When you actually do something wrong or don’t keep your word with others.
Stop apologizing for any reason when you have done nothing wrong.
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