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Example- If you are late, don’t apologise In times of conflict or differing opinions —
for being late, say “Thank you for waiting If you experience conflict or a difference
for me.” of perspective and opinions with
someone, you may feel the instinctive
Be relatable — urge to apologise. Remember that this is
Show compassion and understanding with unnecessary. Instead of saying sorry in
a relatable statement instead of an apology. these situations, try acknowledging their
Example: if someone is talking about a views while maintaining yours.
fight with a friend or an altercation with Example: ‘I understand your point of
a colleague, choose to say, view’ or ‘I appreciate your input, but…’
‘That sounds frustrating,’ are effective alternatives to “I’m sorry.”
‘That’s unfortunate,’
‘How disappointing,’ Apologise without using the word sorry —
instead of saying “I’m sorry”. An apology is about taking responsibility
These statements show support without for your wrong actions. Next time you feel
unnecessarily taking the blame for compelled to say “sorry,” don’t use that
something that is not about you. word. Apologise without it. Here are some
synonyms for sorry.
Use unfortunately — I can’t apologise enough.
When inconvenient circumstances are I’m regretful.
out of your control like a traffic jam, an Pardon me.
accident or unforeseen situation, DO Forgive me.
NOT APOLOGISE. You may feel the My mistake
impulse to apologise but remember you My bad.
aren’t to blame. Instead of apologising in
these situations, simply acknowledge the Practice empathy instead of sympathy —
unfortunate occurrence of these situations. “I’m sorry” usually shows sympathy.
If something is not in your control, don’t Instead, practice empathy. Try to
blame yourself. understand what the other person might be
Example: Thats unfortunate or feeling and share their experience. Sorry
unfortunately this happened. often conveys sympathy, which rarely
makes the other person feel better, heard or
Pardon me — valued.
You can simply say ‘Excuse me’ or ‘Pardon Example: a warm smile, a nod, a pat on
me’ in certain situations instead of “I’m the shoulder or hand holding are the
sorry”. perfect body language you could use if
words don’t come easy.
Talk about how you will make it right or
make it up to them —
It can be challenging to talk about citations
where you have hurt someone or made a
mistake. Rather than apologising in these
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #48 | JUNE 2023 19
