That is so true! My son used to hate having to say sorry to his sister, and everyone could tell he was not being sincere when he said it! It's even worse to phrase it 'I'm sorry if you felt that ...' because that's not being sorry at all!
Yes, Mum always used to say that the worst word in English is "sorry" - based on her impression that it was too glib, a get-out-of-jail-free card, and then the apologiser would simply carry on as before! The word means nothing if it is not considered and sincere. And I agree with the others that "Sorry if..." is usually not an apology. It started with politicians and now loads of people say it.
Yes to this! people think having said sorry, that's the end of it, but it's really only the beginning.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! My son used to hate having to say sorry to his sister, and everyone could tell he was not being sincere when he said it! It's even worse to phrase it 'I'm sorry if you felt that ...' because that's not being sorry at all!
ReplyDeleteIt's so true that a change of behaviour/attitude is needed. I had this discussion with lots of children during my time as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteYep. Lack of correction action is a loud and clear "not sorry."
ReplyDeleteThere is a proper way to apologize, which wouldn't be, "I am sorry that you were offended."
ReplyDeleteAgreed, it's only a start.
ReplyDeleteYes, "sorry" can be hard enough. Making sure I don't do it again is the real test of how sorry I really am.
ReplyDeleteVery true!
ReplyDeleteSo true!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mum always used to say that the worst word in English is "sorry" - based on her impression that it was too glib, a get-out-of-jail-free card, and then the apologiser would simply carry on as before! The word means nothing if it is not considered and sincere.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with the others that "Sorry if..." is usually not an apology. It started with politicians and now loads of people say it.