Ten Benefits of Apologizing

An apology is a healing panacea when individuals are hurt by misunderstanding, or by disruption in the form of argument, or by of keeping commitments. Saying "I am sorry" may seem simple. But it is a formidable challenge. A sincere apology has the great power of healing wounds in hearts and restoring damaged relationships. Apology seems to be difficult because of embarrassment or because of their pride that holds their prestige. But expressing an apology has enormous benefits for both the receiver and the giver. Beverly Engle in his book "The Power of An Apology" has cited many of these benefits.

Benefits of apology to the receiver

1) The person who is harmed may experience emotional healing when acknowledged by the offender. His experience of pain cause by the offender will be steadily increasing day by day. When it is apologized it changes the whole scene.

2) When a person is offended the offender becomes a threat. When the offence is acknowledged by an apology the person who has been offended is empowered to move beyond anger. The wound caused by the offence is medicated.

3) The offended person gets an opportunity to forgive the offender. Forgiveness gives both great mental satisfaction and relief to the offender from his guilt of conscience.

Benefits to the apologizer

4) The most important benefit to the offender is his relief from his guilt conscience. Guilty consciousness and remorse are very powerful in creating great damages in self-esteem and self-confidence. An apology can reduce these damages.

5) When the offender recognizes his fault and apologizes, it cuts down the arrogance on the part of the offender.

6) An apology gives the confidence to keep up relationships. By apologizing the offender can remain emotionally connected to friends, colleagues and loved ones. The distance is widened without an apology.

7) The humility caused by the apology will prevent the offender from further wrong-doing or repeating the same offence. Moreover, God is pleased with this humility caused by an apology.

8) Many diseases such as ulcer, blood pressure, etc. are caused by building up anger and hatred. Suppression of emotions causes further damages. A simple action of apology can relieve you from such mishaps.

9) Even though the result of an apology may not be immediate, it will yield its good benefits in course of time. To err is human. Nobody is free from pitfalls. It is human weakness. But an apology can repair such pitfalls and foster up good relationships.

10) Being spontaneous in apologizing will project your positive image. When you humble yourself to apologize sincerely for your wrong doing, you come across as a reliable, upright and responsible person.