Heartfelt apologies are rarely given but, when given, are usually profoundly healing. People resist apologizing because it opens the door to feelings of terrible guilt. Having committed a hurtful offense becomes (falsely) equated in our minds with being a bad and horrible person. The person receiving a sincere apology, on the other hand, feels absolved of guilt and shame, feelings which were excessive to begin with.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (15.6MB)