Does saying OK, or no problem make the person somehow less accountable for the offense or is it being polite?
2007-01-04 06:24:55 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Nah, tell them gently what they did was wrong and that a repition will not be tolerated.
2007-01-04 06:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by Sam 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If someone is apologising out of habit or for a general issue (like a waiter taking a long time getting to your table, or a bank teller apologising for a long line-up at the queue), 'no problem' is an acceptable phrase to use.
If someone is apologising for a specific offence (breaking your favourite vase, stepping on your foot, crashing into your garage on a moped), the two responses I prefer are:
For a formal apology (moderate offence: 'I'd like to apologise for running over your garden gnome with my lawn-mower.') -- 'Your apology is accepted.'
For an informal apology (lighter offence: 'Er.. Gee, I'm sorry I got jam on your geometry textbook.') -- 'Thanks.'
These two responses acknowledge the guilt of the person apologising without minimising the offense or making a bigger deal out of it than it is.
(For a very serious offence, no apology will suffice, and restitution should be offered by the person apologising!)
2007-01-04 06:38:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saying "That's okay" or "No problem" does make them less accountable to some extent because it makes it seem as though you didn't feel it was that big a deal.
If someone really offends you, then gives you a sincere apology, the most appropriate responses are "Thank you," "I accept," or "I forgive you."
2007-01-04 06:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by Iris 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how DEEP the situation was. If its mild and forgiveable then be like "Ok, but just dont let it happen again" or something like that. If its severe then maybe "Sorry is not good enough".... they might have to prove it and do alot to regain back whatever was lost.
2007-01-04 06:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situration. Sometimes I say "it's o.k." or "apology accepted". And other times, I will answer with silence. My little 4 year old daughter will blurt out "sorry" along with a little giggle and I will say "No you're not. Not if you're laughing". At times when my hubby says he's sorry, I might tell him "you're always sorry".
2007-01-04 08:07:47 · answer #5 · answered by TML ♥'er 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The appropriate thing to do is accept the apology. It doesn't lessen the offense at all.
And, no matter what, you should forgive the person, whether they have apologized or not. Holding onto your offense hurts you, not them.
2007-01-04 06:41:06 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the offense.
If slight, I just say that's OK. If major, I indicate that I accept their apology, and that I hope it doesn't happen again.
2007-01-04 06:33:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't just say "OK" alone, that sounds a bit rude, try "that's okay" and the "no problem" works great.
the two phrases forgive the person saying thank you in a completely nice and simple way and it doesn't leave them wondering if they really are forgiven.
2007-01-04 06:59:09 · answer #8 · answered by Mushaboom. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a sincere apology then the person has accounted for the offence. By apologizing, he has done his part to mend fences. If you refuse, then it is your loss, not his.
2007-01-04 19:58:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when someone says they are sorry, they generally are... now its your turn to be generous enough to accept it, thank them for it, ask them not to do it again, shake hands and get over it.
2007-01-04 06:35:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋