what is an appropriate response to an apology? i'm always at a loss. i see potential problems to anything that comes into my mind to say, because i always feel like anything i think to say would be a lie. or mean.
response 1: "it's ok." i never want to say this, because i don't think it's ok, otherwise the person wouldn't be saying sorry in the first place.
response 2: "it's not a big deal." but what if it was a big deal, to me?
response 3: "i don't believe you." well that just gets us no where.
response 4: "i forgive you." first of all, that sounds pompous. like i'm the pope or something, crossing the offender and sending them on their way. second of all, i'm rarely ready to forgive people when they first apologize, because i'm a vindictive person and sometimes i just want to be mad.
i generally avoid this dilemma by just not telling people that i'm upset, and then i go and take a nap instead. or eat something. but occasionally feelings do bubble over (which may or may not coincidentally coordinate with a certain week of the month), and thus my dilemma is presented. maybe from now on i'll just grunt and punch people in the shoulder, like boys do.
4 comments:
Wait. So... Let me see if I've got this straight. You're saying you're NOT the pope?
How about a simple, Thank you for the apology". That would acknowlege the apology and may open more dialogue, but doesn't have to if you are not ready.
your mom is a genius. and a saint. and an angel that walks this earth. all in one little, pretty package. (this is referring to her comment, by the way. i do realize your post wasn't about her... just wanted to make that clear... so i don't seem like an idiot... but i do seem like an idiot when i write this really long comment...k.done.)
your mom is a genius. i usually say "thank you" too.
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