I learned from my friend today to say those words.
I was very mad at her because she didn’t pick me up for our usual carpool while I sat in the parking lot waiting for her. She neglected to tell me to drive separately. In her apology to me, she said, “I am sorry, will you forgive me?”
My apologies are usually just “sorry”. It has not occurred to me to ask the person for forgiveness.
The fact that she asked made me feel that she cared about our relationship and wanted my forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness is quite humbling, isn’t it? Just saying “sorry” doesn’t take as much out of you. Asking takes a risk that the other person may not forgive you.
When my friend asked me for forgiveness, it made me realize that, of course, I forgive her. And if I say that I forgive her, how can I continue to be mad. Having to verbalize my forgiveness completes the apology process. It no longer hangs over us, and our relationship was restored.
Even though my friend wronged me, I learned a good lesson from it. I will remember to ask for forgiveness, not just simply say “sorry”.