An apology is not just saying sorry. We make children say sorry all the time. Not just toeing the dirt, downcast eyes and a mumble. We teach them about eye contact, tone of voice, shaking hands. That’s the short version. Sorry is just a word.
I hate the word sorry. I hate fighting or argueing and forgiveness. Ouch, sounds harsh!
When I was younger, we had some neighbours and their daughter was my best friend. Her parents would have extreme fights. Clothes being thrown out the door, swearing in their language. Someone always left. They always returned and days of peace resumed. My freind enjoyed the return, she always ended up with a gift. We were eight, it was terrifying and then came the relief. Her explanation was, they had a fight and he is sorry. This was on repeat the four years we lived there.
Sorry should mean change. Sorry after sorry for the same thing is not sorry. “sorry not sorry” means sorry I did it, but I’m probably gonna do it again. Or sorry you feel that way, but I’m going to do it anyway.
You can tell a real sorry. I was throwing the ball for my grandkids and they were taking turns catching it. On the toss to my grandson it hit him square in the mouth. I was off my seat and at his side, pulling him into my arms, kissing his face, admitting my mistake, wiping his tears, calling myself funny names to make hime laugh, and then we changed the game.
If someone does something wrong, the word sorry is good. Over and over sorry for the same thing is not sorry. Sorry means nothing without change.
“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Don’t allow repeats. It’s not music, listening to your favorite song.
If you get an apology, or give an apology, be sure you change the game.
Momma Wouldn't Say 