Good • Strong • Safe

published on July 10th, 1:26 p.m.

If you want an almost magic phrase to help keep lots of arguments and fights from happening, here it is: “I’m sorry. It was my fault.” That’s it. Lots of arguments, fights and problems start because someone does something wrong and then they don’t want to admit it.

We all hate to make mistakes and hate to admit it when we do make them, but that’s when the problem starts. When we are wrong, and we know it, we get defensive and try to put the blame on the other person. It’s like a little spark, and every time we deny our responsibility it’s like we throw a little gasoline on that fire until we have a big, hot argument going on. But if we’re strong enough to remember that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, then we can be OK with saying “I’m sorry” or “it was my fault”. If you step on someone’s foot or bump into someone, you should say, “I’m sorry” not “you shouldn’t have been in my way”. If you accidentally spill something on someone say “My fault” not “you made me do it!”

It’s not fun to admit making a mistake, but neither is getting into a fight with someone. Take responsibility. Be the strong person. If you mess up, say you’re sorry…and mean it.

Be good, be strong & be safe.