“Apologizing doesn’t always mean you’re wrong, and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego.”
-Author Unknown
Image from www.bizjournals.com
I distinctly remember my first argument with my wife Wendy, during our first year of marriage. Our dispute centered on how to wash dishes. The bottom line for me, at the time, was that she was clearly doing it wrong. I had evidence to make my case to anyone who took a logical approach to things.
To make a long story short, I slept (or should I say didn’t sleep?) on the couch that night.
In the morning, Wendy shared a nugget of wisdom that I still remember and use today:
“Are you more committed to being right, or being related?”
EXERCISE:
Where and in what ways are you making those you care about wrong? Where would an apology demonstrate that you value your relationship more than your ego?
I couldn’t agree more. One thing I learned a very young age is when you’ve done something wrong- it’s good to admit it! The only way you can grow as a person is to realize that you have done something wrong and improve it, as well as change the behavior. Their will be times that you feel that you are right and if you feel that strong about it, compromise is always another option.
I tell my children this all the time. It’s natural to be guarded and want to be right. However, it makes you a better person to admit your mistake and change the behavior. That will always make you a better person!
I also let them know that knowledge is power and when you change that behavior, you become more powerful in your heart and in your mind.
Great quote!
Kelly Lollio
Lolo’s Photography