What is it about apologies? This editorial in today’s WSJ got me thinking about all the ways there are to say ‘I’m sorry’. It seems that public apologies fall into one of several predictable models:
1) “If I offended anyone, I’m sorry you were offended.” (Never good. It’s like saying “I feel bad that you are such an overly sensitive idiot.”)
2) “I take full responsibilities for my actions.” (This is kind of stating the obvious, since everyone is responsible for their actions, but few ever say it until they’re caught.)
3) “I apologize for letting down my teammates, my fans and, mostly, my family.” (Meaning you apologize to all the people you know are going to forgive you.)
But what if the person doesn’t want to forgive you?
I know there are some hurts that people cannot let go. And we can debate the sincerity of the apologizer forever.
But forget the tangential issues and think about the basic structure of this repentance model: Once a year, address all the folks you know, and say, “If I’ve done anything to hurt you, please forgive me.” Do you realize how far that might go to calming down our hair-trigger society? How preemptive it might be to our quickly bruised egos?
I like the idea. I think the more you do it, the easier saying you’re sorry becomes.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/andrew-cuomos-apology-right-and-wrong-ways-to-say-sorry-11614688994?st=c5lnqhloh38skt0&reflink=mobilewebshare_permalink
Published by Ed Kowalski
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley.
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