All of us make mistakes because we are impulsive, emotional and imperfect. Relationships often suffer because of the mistakes caused by these human tendencies. The only way to restore broken relationships is acknowledging one’s mistakes and apologizing. Even when two people are equally at fault it is up to any one person to proffer an apology. As mature people we are responsible for our faults and hence an apology is only part the step we take to correct our faults. An honest apology can help mend relationships, dissolve anger, soothe shattered nerves or heal a broken heart and in the process rightfully restore one’s pride. When you apologize you yourself become more free to relate with the other person as you realize that your conscience is now clean and you have nothing that holds you back from relating to the other well. Apologizing does not mean that you own up responsibility for everything even when you know that the other person has his share of mistakes in the matter. It means that you own up responsibility for your part of the mistake and gently remind the other person that he/she too had his/her share of the faults. Say “Sorry”, mean it – and be free!
