“I’m sorry” or “Thank you”

We should be quick to apologize when we have offended someone or wronged them. There should be an expression of remorse and want to change and grow from the mistake.

I used to apologize for everything. That’s what happens sometimes when you grow up in a house of violence. You want to keep the peace or think everything is your fault.

It took me a long time to figure this out, but you don’t need to apologize for every mistake you make. Not every piece of miscommunication needs to be amended. Often times there’s room for something else–a “thank you.”

Instead of being sorry for showing up late, you can extend a “Thank you for being patient.”

Instead of apologizing for not getting to the dishes and your partner does them you can respond with, “Thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Instead of saying sorry for not showing up to dinner without a bottle of wine, thank the host for such a wonderful evening.

You don’t need to feel an obligation to pay back every single debt you accumulate. By saying “thank you,” we are accepting others’ generosity. When we do this a miracle begins to happen: connection.

We are all worthy of love and connection.