Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Apologizing: a sign of weakness or a show of strength?

Martian · 07-10-2009, 09:01 AM

Well, in personal realtionships apologizing can be meaningful as long as it's sincere. When I realize I've made an error I apologize and do my best to correct it, as well as prevent it from happening again in the future.

Politics, as usual, complicates things. An apology is also a de facto admission of culpability. Sometimes that's okay. Sometimes the implications involved there make issuing a formal apology unfeasible.

EDIT due to the cross-post:

I'm assuming here that the party issuing the apology is always in the wrong. The idea that Psycho Dad presents, that one might apologize for being right, is... interesting. I don't know that I've ever encountered that.

Note: I also say 'I'm sorry' to Magpie (for example) when I know she's down or not feeling her best, even if I'm clearly not responsible. This is a kind of apology I guess, but is more intended as a show of empathy.

Language is fun, but difficult. So many little intricacies.

07-10-2009, 09:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Well, in personal realtionships apologizing can be meaningful as long as it's sincere. When I realize I've made an error I apologize and do my best to correct it, as well as prevent it from happening again in the future. Politics, as usual, complicates things. An apology is also a de facto admission of culpability. Sometimes that's okay. Sometimes the implications involved there make issuing a formal apology unfeasible. EDIT due to the cross-post: I'm assuming here that the party issuing the apology is always in the wrong. The idea that Psycho Dad presents, that one might apologize for being right, is... interesting. I don't know that I've ever encountered that. Note: I also say 'I'm sorry' to Magpie (for example) when I know she's down or not feeling her best, even if I'm clearly not responsible. This is a kind of apology I guess, but is more intended as a show of empathy. Language is fun, but difficult. So many little intricacies. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame Last edited by Martian; 07-10-2009 at 09:03 AM..