Argument and debate are going to happen, even in the best of partnerships, but it doesn't have to mean doomsday or that you're not compatible. In fact, I have found some conflict can actually be a stepping stone to a more honest, intimate place and can foster better communication.
Having the courage to admit we've screwed up is one of the hardest things to do. But is simply saying "I was wrong" sufficient? Giving and receiving apologies the right way isn't a matter of etiquette; it's a crucial component of ethical intelligence.
What were those two DJs thinking? Answer: Only themselves.
My heart sank when I read the news that the nurse tragically died after being a victim of...
Making amends doesn't mean that I can have relationships with the people involved, it doesn't mean they will forgive me -- or that the process will be sufficient for them to forgive.
While I have never participated consistently in any form of organized Judaism, and while I cannot bring myself to believe in the magic of a "Book of Life" exactly, I am intrigued by Judaism's prescribed process for atonement.
How many times a day do you apologize? Think about it. Not a major, "I messed up" kind of acknowledgement, more of a figure of speech, a rationalization, an excuse. If you're like me, it happens often.
"Misspeaking" refers to fumbling for the right word. It is accidental, a slip-up. It is not when someone who clearly believes what he or she is saying tries to make nice by claiming they didn't really mean what they very obviously said.
Given our propensity for hurting each other -- usually inadvertently through our clumsiness or our being inconsiderate -- getting good at apologizing should be standard-issue emotional equipment for membership in the human race. And it is. Any one can do it.
Surely you have had someone give you a half-hearted apology that left you feeling cold inside. In fact, haven't you been the one giving that "I'm-kind-of-sort-of-sorry" apology yourself?
One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop saying a "sorry" that's empty, apologize fully when it's appropriate and to do my part to shift our culture of meaningless or non-existent apologies. Anyone else up for that?
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm really, really sorry. I'm sorry I looked at you while you were watching TV. I'm sorry I lowered the window. I'm sorry it'...
Can white people apologize on behalf of their ancestors for what was done to Native Americans a long, long time ago? Could a young German express deep regret for what his forefathers did to the Jews?
Today, no one responsible for anything apologizes anymore. Despite his handlers' fears, a sincere, detailed apology could only help Chris Brown. Goodness knows it can't make things any worse.
With Groundhog Day rapidly approaching, my mind has turned to the elusive do-over and the 1993 Bill Murray flick. When something in your life goes terribly wrong, it is possible to fix it.
Things got a little crazy after we were featured in the NY Times. We really had no clue that a media mention like that would bring in tens of thousands of visitors in one day.
We demanded a public apology for Tiger Woods' uncouth actions -- but our moral outrage over his infidelity is as absurd as it is laughable. Tiger's job has never been to serve the public.