Apologies have more power than most of us realize to restore strained relationships, free us from vengeful impulses, and create possibilities for growth.

Accepting the apology signals the acknowledgment of a need to move forward, but not necessarily together.

Apology may be scorned, but it retains its inherent value.

When I accept an apology it means that the part in me that honors our relationship honors the part in you that honors our relationship.

Apology sends the clearest signal that we have the strength of character to reconcile ourselves with the truth.

The purpose of apology is to extend ourselves in such a way that relationships become deeper, and life becomes richer and more human in the process.

Apology may start as a feeling, a desire to make matters right, but it requires a commitment to move that desire into practice, to actually take on the great courageous task of showing compassion to others.