At one or many points in our lives we will owe someone an apology, and someone will owe us one as well. Many will get it right, by simply and sincerely saying “I’m sorry.” They might even add, “What can I do to make this right?” Unfortunately, some will try but render their apology null and void by saying, "I'm sorry, but..." In an earnest apology, there is no “but.”
The words “I’m sorry,” according to The Emily Post Institute, are powerful enough to be categorized among the “magic words.” The Institute points out that apologies should be made and accepted gracefully. Yet, those two words continue to prove themselves difficult. Consider that even celebrities armed with a team of public relations professionals, whose job it is to sometimes craft a well-meaning apology, often don’t get it right. So, what about us who look in the mirror and see the only team we have? What are we to do?
First, begin with this list. Much has been written on the subject from psychologists to humorists to trusted gatekeepers of etiquette whose engaging listens will guide you to the right apology.
If the apology is spot on, you can rebuild relationships. Dr. Molly Howes points out that the real culprit is our inability to fix problems when they arise—our inability to make a good apology. Even though it's usually a small-scale event between two people, an apology holds a lot of power. This listen will give you the tools you need to say you're sorry, fix relationships, and move forward.
Not only does author John Kador challenge you to think about the tremendous value of an apology to both the giver and receiver, but he also offers advice on how to accept or reject an apology. After you learn the 10 dos and don’ts of apologies, take the quiz and test your Apology Quotient. Some think that saying you're sorry is a weakness; quite the contrary, it's a show of strength, character, and integrity. Nothing sorry about that.
One of the most important aspects of the forgiveness process is an apology. Beverly Engel points this out as she explores the healing power of apology and how it can work in your life. An internationally acclaimed therapist and self-help author, she opens your eyes to how apology is an important factor in our emotional and physical well-being. Without it, we can land on the path of unhappiness, and that's why The Power of Apology counts.
Renowned psychologist Dr. Harriet Lerner explores and sheds light on what she considers the two most important words in the English language—I'm sorry—and offers in-depth and unique perspectives on the challenges that people have in uttering them. In Why Won't You Apologize?, she makes her case more accessible with wit and humor.
Not to take anything away from the power and importance of an apology, Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas provide new ways to mend fractured relationships and help you discover why meaningful apologies matter so much. Learn how to drop tired excuses for honesty and trust and make sure your apologies are fully accepted. This listen is for all of those who treasure the relationships in their lives.
Say You're Sorry takes a deep dive into the apology as it relates to topics such as #MeToo, reparations, corporate blunders, and more in each episode. Hosted by Lux Alptraum, this insightful Audible Original podcast also asks the big question: Why is it so hard for adults to do and say what we teach children?
It could happen to any of us: You find yourself in a difficult situation and don't know how to hang in or bow out correctly. With a no-nonsense approach, Etiquette for Dummies presents tough social situations and shows you how to navigate through them successfully, with effortless charm and grace. You'll even learn how to deal with unexpected things like sneezing fits (don't you hate them?). Good manners travel well; listen and learn all about them in this book.
In this fresh and contemporary guide to modern manners dilemmas, Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners, dispels some of those supposedly valid etiquette tips. You know, the one that tells you it’s okay to wait a year to send a thank-you note? Wrong. And the other one: It’s proper to answer nosy questions. Not. You can politely ignore them. Known for her archly acid wit, Miss Manners will have you minding your manners impeccably in no time.
Writing with humor, Delia Ephron keeps this etiquette book for kids light with quizzes, scenarios, and true-or-false questions. She takes the stuffiness out of the oftentimes stuffy subject of manners. Besides what to do with that wad of bubble gum, adults will find this listen helpful on a range of topics, including practicing good car manners when you're in the backseat and about to throw up. Kindness, sharing, consideration, generosity, and diplomacy are also covered, making for a well-rounded, more than helpful listen for all ages.
Sometimes when it comes to teaching young people about etiquette, preaching doesn't quite cut it. Alex J. Packer proves the point in How Rude! by combining knee-slapping humor and sound advice to deliver the message to teens. And he knows what matters to his audience after a nationwide survey targeted to them. From the table to the skateboard to that ethnic joke, this listen delivers on the dos and don'ts of good manners skillfully, and it makes clear why teens should care.
Forget about that raised pinky when you have a cup of tea. How about what to do when you're eating lunch with your boss? It's all here—modern etiquette for modern times. Easy-to-follow and dependable, this audiobook has all the basics you'll need to navigate the world we live in, both in person and online. Not great at keeping a conversation going? It's here. Want to decline a second date gracefully? It's here, too. Consider 50 Essential Etiquette Lessons an essential addition to your library.
The Emily Post Institute keeps this podcast all in the family. Hosted by Emily Post’s great-great-grandchildren, Lizzie Post and Dan Post Senning, it is all things etiquette, from soup to nuts. The hosts look behind the reasons of traditional rules and update them for today’s modern world and lifestyles, with a priority on consideration, respect, and honesty. Questions are mined from an audience comprised of everyday people who just want to do the right thing. Awesome Etiquette, indeed. The two do Emily Post proud.
