Earlier today, I read a blog about the differences between saying “I’m sorry” and saying, “thank you”.
Saying “I’m sorry” when it doesn’t advance the conversation isn’t really all that helpful. Like, “I’m sorry I’m late for this zoom meeting” or “I’m sorry my computer is taking longer than usual to load”.
Instead, the invitation was to say, “Thank you for your patience”. The writer talked about how this creates connection versus separation.
Saying “I’m sorry” when it doesn’t count causes the spotlight to be on yourself. The focus is on you, your busy life, you being late, your computer.
However, when you say thank you, the attention shifts from you to the other person.
It’s acknowledging others for who they are being in the moment. It’s like showing up late with a gift instead of a reason or excuse. This gift, this being seen for one’s positive qualities is something each of us can appreciate. It certainly lands better than hearing someone spill into the scene with excuses.
And perhaps it isn’t an “either/or” situation….but rather an “and” situation. Maybe starting with a gift and only adding an explanation if necessary for the benefit of all.
It’s an interesting invitation.
