I think everyone makes mistakes in life often that they feel sorry for. It is after all human nature to stumble across a situation where we might hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally. A year ago, something hurtful happened to me that I vividly remember to this day. Last December, I went to Mumbai to visit my friend Suzy for a week. I informed her a month prior that I would stay with her and planned a mini holiday where we would travel in and around the city.
However, my plans went awry as she completely forgot about my visit when I landed there. She went on a short trip with her local friends just a day before I went there leaving me alone. I did not see this coming as I was anticipating to see her at the airport and realised she was out of town only after calling her on the phone. She realised her mistake quickly and apologised, promising to make it up to me. I knew she felt bad for deserting me as she desperately tried to explain what happened. It was not the first time she forgot something but it was important to me that she stayed because I was hoping to plan a getaway that I informed about well before.
I felt terrible when she informed me that she would not be around; not just because she forgot about me being there but also because I felt alone. I was furious with her but couldn’t hold my anger for much time since she is forgetful and I understood her situation. Anyway, she did make it up by returning from her trip early and spending time with me for the remainder of my trip.
Vocabulary:
- Stumble – encounter by chance
- Vividly – clearly
- Plans go awry – off the expected course
- Anticipate – expect
- Desert – abandon
- Furious – extremely angry
Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers
1. Is it important to say sorry?
People make mistakes and sometimes it hurts others regardless the intentions. So, it is vital to apologize to the other person to make long lasting bonds. Apologies make sure to remove any kind of misunderstanding two people have and also help get rid of the guilt of hurting someone.
2. In what situations do people say sorry?
People say sorry when they do something wrong knowingly or unknowingly, and when they realize their mistake. They also say sorry when they want to clear any misunderstanding with their friend or family member.
3. Why do some people hate to say sorry?
Some people believe saying sorry makes them seem bad while others are too egoistic to accept their mistakes and apologize. People who are narcissistic don’t apologize as they believe that whatever they do is right even when proven otherwise. Besides, in some situations, people fear that they might lose their respect and feel shameful to say sorry.
4. In what situations should we apologize immediately?
In my view, when we say things unintentionally and realise we made a mistake, we need to apologize immediately. This clears up any misunderstandings we have with others and prevents relationships from being broken. It is essential that people understand the importance of apologizing and not feel inferior when doing so.
5. When do people say thank you?
People say thank you on several occasions such as when someone helps them, wishes them good luck or does something nice for them. Usually, people thank someone for their services as a sign of politeness; for instance, when an attendant helps them with their luggage in a hotel or to shopkeepers after buying something from their store.
