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When someone says "I'm sorry" to you, what is a typical reply? What is a reply to a minor offense, mediocre offense, and major offense? Do you say "It's okay" for a major offense? Do you say "Forget about it"? I'm looking for standard approaches to the phrase "I'm sorry."

2007-01-22 07:16:33 · 24 answers · asked by Glynn 2 in Social Science Psychology

24 answers

"thank you, for recognizing that you have hurt me in someway. I feel much better now!"

2007-01-22 07:22:53 · answer #1 · answered by dashel_gabelli 3 · 1 0

I don't think that there is any standard approach to someone who says "I'm sorry." It depends on the circumstances that lead to the apology, who is saying it, etc.

For instance, if someone bumps into you at the grocery store, they may apologize briefly. No real harm is done, the apology is immediate and is of no real consequence to most people. An apologetic smile or a simple "sorry!" needs no more than a brief acknowledgment, such as a nod or "It's ok."

However, if a child comes and apologizes for breaking something or doing something naughty, the proper response might be anything from "All right." to an explanation of why the behavior was not acceptable.

And then again, there are those who say "I'm sorry," and then go on to repeat the offending behavior. And of course, there are those instances when you simply cannot or will not accept an apology from someone...for whatever reason.

So, I would say there IS no standard response. It's best to go with what you feel is correct in a particular situation.

2007-01-22 15:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by uglygrandmother 3 · 0 0

When someone says sorry and its a minor offense i would say 'its OK just please don't do it again.' If its an offense that is mediocre i would be mad at them but I'd say 'i don't appreciate blah blah blah' then forgive. If it was major offense i would do the same as if it were a mediocre offense. No i would not say forget about it because you need to remember what they did so if they do it again you can try to work with them to stop or stop whats causing them to keep doing it. but we need to forgive.

2007-01-22 15:27:14 · answer #3 · answered by serenity 2 · 0 0

I would be asking somone who has done a major offence what I;m sorry means to them. I would possible get into a discussion on what happened and what I felt like as well.
Sometimes I'm Sorry doesn't cut it.
If someone bumps into me I usually come off with no Problem.
If someone crashes into my car I ask them what they were thinking of. and I'm Sorry at that point doesn't really cut the grade.

If some cheated on me and I found out I'm Sorry is not going to move me in the slightest. it all depends upon what happened and how it happened. Its an offence to me if they pass on an STD
Not something minor at all. and I'm sorry is not good enough
Good luck with your answers

2007-01-22 15:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by Spirit_Rain_3-SunShineAries 3 · 0 0

Thank you. I appreciate your concern for my feelings.

It's ok, forget about it or something similar dismisses their offer of an apology as insignificant. Acknowledge someone's heartfelt offerings, always, directly and boldly.

I'm sorry seems to be a very difficult thing for most people to say so they deserve to be shown respect when they do.

2007-01-22 15:26:12 · answer #5 · answered by Liligirl 6 · 0 0

Minor - Thank you

Mediocre - Thanks, that means a lot that you acknowledged that you hurt me.

Major - I would think an "I'm Sorry" wouldn't be good enough! They would need to show me they aren't going to do it again. Maybe do something to make up for it?

2007-01-22 15:28:29 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah S 3 · 0 0

Okay. Make sure this never happens again.
Lets Hope So..
Dont tell me that. Tell that person/thing!
Save it.
I dont need your pity!
If you say so...
Are you really?
Prove it!
What is that mom?Are you calling me?...
What do you want me to say?
Its going to take a little more pleading that that.
On your knees NOW!!!!!!!! Bow!

2007-01-22 15:29:01 · answer #7 · answered by hhllhxc 2 · 0 0

First say "Do you really mean it? and if the person says that they really mean it, then your response should be "I forgive you". For all offenses.

2007-01-22 21:46:37 · answer #8 · answered by PegSl 2 · 0 0

for major offense my answer would be (well you should be ....)
for minor things (forget it )

2007-01-22 15:28:55 · answer #9 · answered by going-to-light 3 · 0 0

If I'm forgiving them I usually just say "alright".

2007-01-22 15:21:09 · answer #10 · answered by Love United 6 · 0 0

Someone bumps into you:
"I'm sorry." "No problem."

A bicycle messenger smacks your car and dents it:
"I'm sorry." "Are you okay?"

Your child's doctor negligently gave her a medication that her record CLEARLY said she was allergic to, and she died a painful death:
"I'm sorry." "You can take your sorry and stick it. See you in court."

2007-01-22 15:24:28 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

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