Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

According to Elton John, sorry seems to be the hardest word. But not for me. I don't think too much apologizing means I'm not confident or I have low self-esteem or any of the other tags given to over-apologizers. I also don't think it means I'm always at fault or excessively mean. I say I'm sorry when I do something I wish I hadn't done. (Or in the case of not having chocolate chip cookies when you stop by, for something I wish I had done).

I find it hard not to ask for pardon if I'm late, I've misunderstood, I've forgotten something or I have to cancel an appointment. I think things that have the tiniest negative effect on someone else deserve at least a small apology. And if I realize I've made someone sad or I've disappointed them (even when I don't feel at fault) I apologize for that, too.

I've been accused of excessive sorries when things aren't perfect. In addition to no chocolate chip cookies I apologize if the dinner isn't great, the bed is uncomfortable, plans don't go as planned and a lot of other things that most of you don't find so important. That doesn't mean I lack confidence, it means I care and I didn't do as well as I'd hoped.

I'd rather be accused of over-apologizing than living my life with the awful taste of those two unspoken words left in limbo behind my lips. I know people who find it impossible to spit them out even when I'm sure they want to. I can see it in their eyes and hear it on the tip of their tongue. To those folks I say I'm sorry because they must leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Forgive me if I remind you that Elton John didn't say sorry is the hardest word, he said sorry seems to be the hardest word; but the truth is, it really isn't. When the response to an apology is an accepting smile and a Beatles 'let it be', it's enough to leave you speechless. 

Go ahead. You've got nothing to lose but your pride.