March 4, 2008

We all make mistakes. Some of us are willing to admit it and apologize. Others deny, or rationalize their wrong behavior. I agree with Dr. Spencer Johnson who said, “Few things are more powerful than having the common sense, wisdom, and strength to admit when you’ve made a mistake and to set things right.”

If you have trouble saying, “I was wrong.” It probably started in your childhood. Perhaps your dad never apologized, so you got the message that real men don’t apologize. In reality, to rationalize your wrong behavior is a sign of weakness. It means that you are not willing to accept responsibility for your mistakes. Learning to say, “I was wrong” is a major step toward becoming a responsible and successful adult.

Today's A Growing Marriage Daily content has been written by Dr. Gary Chapman and is based on the book The Five Languages of Apology by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas. Published by Northfield Publishers, copyright 2006. Used by permission.