Number Nineteen

• The subtle-superiority strategy: always turning up late with an excuse and insincere apology

• The sympathy strategy: playing the victim but secretly relishing the pain or drama 

• The dependence strategy: offering concern and help, then withdrawing them later

• An excuse can provide us a sense of control on our lives, viewing our mistakes as an anomaly.
• Shifting responsibility to an external force seems safer than a simple apology ("Sorry, I had a flat tire".)
• It helps maintain our social ties and positive perceptions of our coll...

A sincere apology can help you begin repairing damage after a wrongdoing. To make an effective apology, you’ll want to:

• acknowledge your role
• show remorse
• avoid making excuses
• ask for forgiveness

The most heartfelt apology means nothing if you...