Remember as a kid doing something wrong and your parents telling you, “Say you are sorry!”
When we wrong or hurt someone it is good to say we are sorry. But we all have these people in our lives – and maybe you do it – say “I’m sorry almost as a reflex. You say it when you haven’t done anything wrong.
I’m so sorry to bother you …
Sorry I’m asking so many questions …
… and the list could go on.
When we do this, we are operating out of a deficit – like we are unworthy of asking for help or a favor. I was reminded of a great alternative to this. Instead of saying “sorry” replace it with a “thank you.”
Next time you are late – instead of “I’m sorry I was late” replace it with, “Thank you for waiting for me …”
Instead of I’m so sorry for asking you for so many favors, change it to “Thank you for helping me out again.”
See the difference? When we are always saying “sorry” when it’s not necessary, actually makes people think less of you, plus it minimizes the impact of future (genuine) apologies. So it’s time to take the excessive use of “I’m sorry” out of your vocabulary. You’ll be thankful that you did.
*When not on the radio, Eric works as a private practice counselor*
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Syahrir Maulana
