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Naturally, it would depend on the offense, but for something minor, I've heard many responses, including:
That's OK
No problem
You're good
Think nothing of it, etc.
I say, Thank You, and that's usually the end of it.
But some will not accept Thank You as a response to an apology. They'll keep apologizing, (and I'll keep thanking them,) as if they will not leave me alone until I absolve them and tell them they're OK.
Am I being rude by accepting an apology without the obligation of releasing the offender of their guilt?
Depends. If the apology is warranted I'll say "thank you", if someone is making an apology over something that doesn't need an apology, I'll say something to the effect of "that's ok" or "please don't apologize, there is no need".
I think some people aren't really sure what to say if they don't get a "that's ok" in response. I had to teach my own children that at some point. "Thank you" is an appropriate (and final) response if the apology was warranted. "That's ok" means something different.
Depends. If the apology is warranted I'll say "thank you", if someone is making an apology over something that doesn't need an apology, I'll say something to the effect of "that's ok" or "please don't apologize, there is no need".
I think some people aren't really sure what to say if they don't get a "that's ok" in response. I had to teach my own children that at some point. "Thank you" is an appropriate (and final) response if the apology was warranted. "That's ok" means something different.
Completely agree with everything you said.
Personally, I think "Thank you" is the only appropriate response, if someone is apologizing and you've been truly wronged.
If someone is apologizing, but the 'injury' is slight and no big deal, or non existent, then it's appropriate to say 'no problem' 'don't worry about it' etc.
(As an aside, maybe it's just me personally, but I see a difference between "I apologize for" and "I'm sorry".
I'd honestly rather hear "I'm sorry" if I've been wronged in some way. Maybe it's just semantics, but if I hear "I'm sorry" it implies (to me) that they are truly sorry, and will work on not repeating said offense.)
Every once in a while when people apologize for something silly like if we both turn a corner and nearly bump into each other I say “you should be”. The look on their face is great.
For the ones who keep apologizing for a real transgression, maybe what they need to hear is “I forgive you.”
I go through this exercise with my son. He’ll say “I’m sorry” and I’ll say “Ok” the first time, but he won’t stop apologizing until I say “I forgive you.” I don’t know where he got this from because no one in our immediate or extended families have ever done this. The repetitive apologies used to get on my nerves, but I’ve accepted that it’s just part of his process. Now I say “I forgive you” right away and that’s his signal that I really do forgive him and it’s ok for him to stop apologizing.
For the ones who keep apologizing for a real transgression, maybe what they need to hear is “I forgive you.”
I go through this exercise with my son. He’ll say “I’m sorry” and I’ll say “Ok” the first time, but he won’t stop apologizing until I say “I forgive you.” I don’t know where he got this from because no one in our immediate or extended families have ever done this. The repetitive apologies used to get on my nerves, but I’ve accepted that it’s just part of his process. Now I say “I forgive you” right away and that’s his signal that I really do forgive him and it’s ok for him to stop apologizing.
To me it depends. If it's something trivial, then I say something like "that's ok" or "forget it." If it's something serious and they mean it, then I say "thank you." But if they don't mean it, and it's pretty obvious, then I say "You're only sorry you got caught" or something to that effect.
The latter folks are few, but pretty much the same people over and over. It's as if they think they can do/say whatever they want and then use "I'm sorry" as a get out of jail free card. And turn around and repeat the same behavior.
Location: Finally the house is done and we are in Port St. Lucie!
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I do what I have always told my kids: Apology accepted.
I told them to never say "that's ok" because what was done is Not ok. "Apology accepted" works.
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