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It strikes me from what I read that many people have very different opinions on saying "I am sorry."
In my view "I am sorry" is to be used when you have upset someone from your words or behavior. It is not to be qualified most times with insincerity such as "I am sorry you feel that way" since it might be telling the other person that if they did not feel that way, they would not need an apology. Thus putting the blame on the other person for making you apologize to them. Politicians are famous for the fake apology "I am sorry that some people might feel I did anything wrong." It is an apology without contrition or desire to change what they have done.
However, I see some people feel anytime a person needs to apologize it is a waste of time. You do not believe them. They are without redemption. Only pitiful,weak, and lying individuals use sorry to escape their just retribution for bad actions/words. These type only result to the apology to deflect with no desire to change, or at least that is how a person that does not accept "I am sorry" believes.
Now I will admit for my view there are times for "I am sorry you feel that way", it is a degree of Social lubricant that can paste over minor irritations. It allows both people to save face. That is if both persons are not really upset.
What do others think about using an apology? When should you resort to it?
An apology should come from the heart. If I have to ask for one or demand one, chances are that person probably isn't being sincere in their apology. They are doing it in order to appease me and they might not feel as though they did anything wrong. I don't know, I think apologies are overrated. If you know someone well enough you'll know if they regret something they did or said. The words aren't always necessary.
I see three very differing opinions already. Something that needs to be taken in account with dealing with someone. Thanks for the input.
I have a hard time labeling that an opinion. It looks to me like a fact, but I reckon some people might consider the dictionary an "opinion".
sor·ry
1. feeling regret, compunction, sympathy, pity, etc.: to be sorry to leave one's friends; to be sorry for a remark; to be sorry for someone in trouble.
2. regrettable or deplorable; unfortunate; tragic: a sorry situation; to come to a sorry end.
3. sorrowful, grieved, or sad: Was she sorry when her brother died?
4. associated with sorrow; suggestive of grief or suffering; melancholy; dismal.
5. wretched, poor, useless, or pitiful: a sorry horse.
6. (used interjectionally as a conventional apology or expression of regret): Sorry, you're misinformed. Did I bump you? Sorry.
my favorite was always #6. my grandma would refer to someone's "triflin sorry ass"
I have a hard time labeling that an opinion. It looks to me like a fact.
It is an opinion though. I do not see sorry as just a regret. It is an apology. You see it different, thus it is an opinion. Incidentally dictionary definitions are also an opinion though of an informed sort.
Accepted. I am not sure while I started the Thread other than mild intellectual curiosity. If it goes nowhere than *shrug* oh well
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I see three very differing opinions already. Something that needs to be taken in account with dealing with someone. Thanks for the input.
