The genuineness of using “sorry” is often brought into question by those who do not see it as a solution on its own.
What does it mean to be sorry? What does it mean to say “sorry?”
The genuineness of using “sorry” is often brought into question by those who do not see it as a solution on its own.
Of course, sorry is not intended as a solution, but rather a sort of reassurance.
First, Acknowledge
It would feel bad for someone to do you wrong and believe that they have no reason to regret doing so.
By apologizing, someone who has offended another may at least show them that they understand that they have done something wrong and don't consider it correct or just.
Acknowledging that you've done something wrong is only the first part of being sorry.
A Noble Endeavor
A common view I've seen is that saying sorry doesn't just mean admitting that something was your fault, but it also means the one apologizing should have every intention of being better or making up for it.
Trying to be better is a noble endeavor, but depending on the deed for which one is apologizing, it may be easier said than done.
Sometimes, it's the most one can do, if they can do it at all.
Genuine Regret
A question I often ask myself is, “Do I need to do something specific to prove that I'm really sorry?”
Some people would answer, “Yes, naturally! How else would you prove it?”
But there are others who believe that simply expressing their genuine regret is enough.
Of course, the most basic form of proving one is sorry is simply making an active effort not to repeat the mistake.
When 'Sorry' Means Nothing
If it causes the loss or damage of something —material or otherwise— the most immediate idea is to repair or replace it.
However, there will be times when there may be nothing you can do to help a situation you caused.
I once scratched a relative's car out of negligence, and they thankfully kept calm, saying there would be no point in getting mad about it.
Of course, not everyone will look at things the same way.
If it was a stranger who decided to act on it in a way that would have cost me something, “sorry” would surely do nothing.
Swallow Your Pride
If you do someone wrong, they have every right to feel bad about it.
Regardless of the validity of how they choose to act on such emotions, your only concern should be that you make it clear that you really are regretful while also being completely willing to make amends for your offenses.
If you can make amends somehow, you should do what you can.
If you find that there's truly nothing you can do, make sure you sincerely and humbly express your regrets for your actions.
It might not fix anything, but if it's the only right thing you're still capable of doing, then you must swallow your pride and apologize.
True Remorse
It doesn't matter how often you have to do it, nor does it matter if saying you're sorry is often the most you could do.
As long as you make sure you always at least try to make amends for your mistakes, and as long as every apology you give is genuine, your “sorry” is worth giving.
It is your responsibility to make amends and express true remorse for your actions— what the other person makes of it is completely at their own discretion.