Apart From Showing Respect And Empathy, Here Are 5 Reasons Why Apologies Are Important

Hand drawn illustration of two people (Unsplash / Kate Hliznitsova)

JAKARTA - Saying sorry is an important thing, not only to improve relationships. But apart from showing respect and empathy, apology also includes a social 'ritual' so that action-reaction is harmonious.

A psychotherapist who has worked for more than 30 years said that his client who was traumatized by sexual violence needed acknowledgment and apology from the perpetrator. According to him, this can help survivors to heal themselves.

Besides, Beverly Engel delves into the reasons that apologizing is big deal. Apologies, when spoken sincerely, can have a big impact on the 'universe' of life, both those who say and receive apologies.

Apologizing shows that you care

An apology is often used as the start of reconciliation talks. From opening the conversation to apologies, all the aggravating complaints will surface. From there, efforts to improve attitudes and behavior begin.

It is also at this point that acknowledging and accepting the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of others can be understood better.

The word sorry as a way of improvement

Between the person who apologizes and the one who forgives may not make up right away. Accepting an apology also takes process. Even saying sorry involves all aspects, including awareness, self-evaluation to sincerity.

The expression when submitting an apology, according to Engel was reported by Psychology Today, Tuesday, February 23, served as a reconciliation process.

An apology makes humans more civilized

In many cases that occur in all parts of the world, even in the smallest scope we often make mistakes that harm others. When humans have a level of intelligence, both from a social and emotional point of view, they will apologize when they realize the mistake they made.

This is what distinguishes humans from other creatures. Humans have a way of thinking, empathy, and self-management so as to create a more harmonious life.

An apology can soften hearts

In personal relationships, for example. When you disappoint your partner, the simplest way to make amends is to say sorry. No matter how hard a person's heart is, the sincerity of the word sorry becomes a softening enzyme.

If there is a conflict, then sorry can restore both parties. While apologies cannot erase mistakes or eliminate harmful effects, apologies can loosen tensions.

Rebuild trust

When behaving in an offensive, hurtful, and inconsiderate manner, it is likely that the partner will behave cautiously. Trust will also be thinner and less relaxed. If you don't say sorry for what you have done, the relationship will full of hateful.

Now, this is the positive side of apology. Even though every word spoken has a higher value than reality and action, it is not wrong to say sorry and show that other people have a valuable position in our lives.

What do you think about apologies?