For many, the idea that being able to effectively apologize is an important component of any successful relationship is tough to swallow. There are those who consider apologizing to be a form of weakness and refuse to do it. But, if you want to keep your relationship strong you should find your best way to apologize. 

Another thing that people sometimes underestimate is that a sincere apology will keep all relationships strong, not just your romantic ones. So if you find your best way to apologize early in your life and your relationships you are taking a big step towards keeping them strong and healthy. 

My son and I had quite the discussion the other day on this very topic. He is from the "apologizing is a sign of weakness" camp. I disagreed with him, and told him so. 

To me, it is a sign of maturity, honor and strength. I never could understand why people think it is a sign of weakness to apologize... to me it is one of the hardest things to do. 

No one wants to look that special person in the face and admit they were wrong. 

It's not easy to tell someone else you made a mistake. But, if you do it anyway, because it is the right thing to do, isn't that practically the definition of strength and maturity? I think so.

I also believe it is good for the other person to hear your apology for a few reasons. For one thing, as much as we all hate to admit we were wrong we all love to hear we were right. 

So telling someone that you were wrong and they were right may be hard for you but it might be good for them to hear. 

They will likely really appreciate hearing it and appreciate you for telling them that. Another reason it's important for the other person to hear your apology is it builds trust between the two of you. 

Pexels Theodore Nguyen

If you prove to them that you are willing to own up to your mistakes and offer a sincere apology, they will have more confidence in your overall honesty and integrity. That can only help strengthen the relationship. 

They will feel more safe and secure with you in all areas of the relationship because you have proven that you are someone who is mature and honest and that you can be trusted to do the right thing... even when it isn't easy to do. 

So, as I told my son, learning to apologize when you make a mistake is, in my opinion, one of the many steps you need to take to become a whole and mature person. 

Being unwilling to admit you were wrong, or letting the person who you wronged know you are sorry, is a sure sign of an immature, self centered, insecure person. 

Is that the type of person you want that special someone to see when they look at you?

I don't think so. Find your best way to apologize and do it whenever you make a mistake. Who knows, you may hate to have to apologize so much you stopping making as many mistakes!

Keywords: best way to apologize, sincere apology, relationship advice, build trust, effective apology, maturity in relationships, apology tips, strengthening relationships

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