Breaking the Spell on I'm Sorry
Why do we apologize to other people when we have done nothing wrong?
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 had done nothing wrong. I stopped pursuing that opportunity.
Even when someone passes away we say “I’m sorry for your loss.”
I like to say you have my condolences, or I don’t have the words and I’m here for you. 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.
Be straight up and clear with people in your communications. It goes a long way. And when you mess up or make a mistake, make the effort to correct it and make things right. 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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