"I'm Sorry" Does Not Indicate Ownership and Change

Being pressured to say, "I'm sorry" often holds no true weight. What does that really mean anyway?

What person actually feels badly, when they are made to do something, they sincerely wanted to, even though it was unacceptable?

What three-year-old feels bad for taking something they want from a kid in pre-school class?

What sibling truly cares that their lie or deception hurt another's feelings?

What person genuinely feels bad, when they are caught stealing? Is it more about being found out, than it is about getting caught?

I am sorry only expresses regret that a person has been caught, or it provides enough surface sorrow to get the person out of the bind he or she is in.

Where is the sympathy? Do you genuinely care that you caused pain or trouble for someone, or for something?

Do u really care that you've caused someone distress?

If u truly cared, you would work to fix it when you realize you've made a mistake.

You may say "I'm sorry" when you've hurt someone, or you might say "I'm sorry" when you've caused an inconvenience. The reality is all of that may not even move the needle on your sympathy meter.

You can also use "I'm sorry" to express compassion or sadness when someone else is experiencing a difficult situation, even if you weren't directly involved.

Personally, I would much rather hear, "I apologize" than “I'm sorry." Using those words cracks open doors, that leads towards additional avenues as to what you are feeling. ...maybe.

Some people will use, "I'm sorry" as a polite way to disagree or refuse something. When a person is attempting to acknowledge their wrongdoing, "I'm sorry", may be a way to take responsibility for their actions and show that they may be recognizing the harm they've caused.

In the end, a genuine apology and adding in the "I'm sorry," can be a step towards repairing relationships and making amends.