Done Something Wrong? Try 7 NEW Sayings that are Waaay Better than “I’m Sorry”
If you’re like us, you’re always having to apologize for stuff. But saying “I’m sorry” is boring and just won’t cut it for many situations. Here are 7 FRESH and EFFECTIVE alternatives to saying “I’M SORRY”!
1. “I’m glad.”
This may seem confrontational, but telling someone you’re glad they’re upset is actually very caring. You’re saying “I’m glad that you care enough to get angry” and “I’m glad you’re getting to experience anger and sadness which are important human emotions”.
2. “I know you’re upset, but you’re making a really ugly face and people are eating, so that’s kind of rude.”
Doing something nice for someone can go a long way towards making a situation better. And reminding them that they look ugly and it might be affecting people’s appetites is thoughtful. If they find out later they’ll be embarrassed and be like “why didn’t you tell me?”
3. “You’re mad now, but that anger may turn into happiness or sexual energy. You’re welcome if either of those happen.”
This is good because it recognizes the ebb and flow of human emotions and puts you in position to take credit for the lemonade while it’s still in lemon form.
4. “I am terrified that you will get over this quickly.”
Reverse psychology is waaaay underrated. So take a chance on it! If they’re really mad, then they might GET OVER their anger just to spite you.
5. “I am learning a lot from your anger.”
Letting someone know that they are educating you is kind and benefits them tremendously. Most of the time when people get mad it’s because they feel like you aren’t learning and bettering yourself.
6. “I have had extensive plastic surgery on my face which prevents me from showing any kind of emotion on the outside. But on the inside it’s pure turmoil right now.”
WOW, what a mouthful! It’s worth it though, because you are communicating that you are in pain over the situation, it just doesn’t look like it. If they’re like “You haven’t had any plastic surgery, you are lying” then you can say “I am very angry at that accusation but I am unfortunately unable to show it. But it’s there.”
7. “You have a history of emotional instability, so I am going to withhold my apology until we’ve both had an opportunity to reflect.”
Don’t be afraid to request more time to evaluate if an apology is necessary. Apologies are best treated as special events, so don’t cheapen them by doling them out all the time.
Have any other “I’m sorry” alternatives? Tried any of these ones? Let us know!
Photo Credit: [Phoney Nickel]
