Remember the famous line from the movie/book Love Story: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
The spoken line was so emotional, and back in the 70’s it was quoted everywhere as well as printed on all sorts of merchandise.
Despite crying through the end of the movie, I never really understood why Love means never having to say you’re sorry. What did I know of Love?
Were the characters saying I love you and I automatically forgive you, or were they saying I love you and I understand you. I know you are sorry.
I know you did not hurt me on purpose and I know you never want to do that again.
Yet, the apology must be spoken, because it lies pregnant in the perpetrator’s soul until the words are at last spoken.
The response is a spoken form of forgiveness, a dismissal of the offense: Love means never having to say you’re sorry. Except, that it does. An apology is the balm that soothes the soul.
An apology of heartfelt sorrow delivers a message of love, and a wish to heal the wounds of the relationship. The hearer wishing to forgive and forget utters the famous words. Or something like that. It’s ok. Forget it. Or I forgive you, and friends hug and make up.
The duality exists here as it does in all facets of life. Never forget to apologize. It’s like forgetting to love. You didn’t mean to cut her, but how will she feel if you don’t bandage the wound.
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