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Personal Narrative Essay And Well-Marked Typology

Decent Essays

When we hurt someone, whether intentionally or accidentally, a sincere well stated apology can usually fix it. In the well-stated apology, the offender takes responsibility for a specific offense, and makes expressions of regret sincere, timely and brief. Giving an appropriate apology is a skill that can be learned. Many think that if no harm was intended, no apology is required. Not so. I would not intentionally spill ink on my neighbor’s carpet, but I sincerely regret the spilling, and I am responsible for the damage that was done. Sincerity is of course the most important ingredient in an expression of regret. A sincere apology requires the person who has offended to take responsibility for the offence. For example, "I’m sorry I didn’t make …show more content…

A lengthy explanation for why the offense occurred tends to water down or diminish a perception of sincerity. Anthony had inadvertently betrayed a confidence John shared with him. Anthony says to John, "I’m sorry I told Steve what you said to me, but Steve kind of coaxed it out of me, and I wasn’t aware that it was such a secret. I didn’t know how important it was to you to keep that information confidential. Besides, I’d had a couple of beers and my mouth tends to run off when I’ve been drinking. If I’d have known you would be so upset, I wouldn’t have done it." This apology tends to minimize the offense and come off as insincere "I’m sorry I hurt you. I’ll try to keep what you tell me to myself in the future," would have been more appropriate. A defensive attitude tends to make matters worse rather than better. Don said, "I’m sorry I ate the last piece of cake. I didn’t know you were saving it for your mother. Leftovers in the refrigerator have never been off limits before. It wasn’t clearly labeled. If we’d had clear rules about what I can and can’t eat, and the cake had been labeled, I wouldn’t have eaten it." Cindy replied, "I don’t think you’re sorry for eating the

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