Have you ever apologized to someone for something trivial, years later?

If it was trivial, I would apologize if I saw them again. If it was major, I would go out of my way to see if I could find them to make amends.

My older (late) brother had problems with alcohol all his life. When I was much younger (20’s or so) I didn’t know what it meant to be an enabler, and accompanied him on many binges. His wife, my dear sister-in-law (and I mean that in all honesty) would get so angry that we went out and got drunk. When he passed several years ago, I could not make it to the funeral. When I spoke to her at that time, it was mostly about how he was now “in a better place,” and mostly to comfort each other. A couple years ago I went back to visit family, and saw here. We had a long talk about my brother, his life, their life together, their kids and grandkids, and family in general. I then started to apologize for my enabling behavior so long ago. She stopped me, and helped me to realize that if I hadn’t been the enabler, someone else surely would have. The conversation provided me with a good deal of closure.

I have always apologized for the error of my ways but getting them to accept them I find can be a bit of a challenge with some.

Yeah! I can’t think of an example now, but when I feel I owe someone an apology but don’t follow through it irks me forever.

Oh, here’s an example. When I was an innocent ninth grader I unknowingly asked a teacher who’s last name was hyphenated B____- J_____ if we could call her “Ms. BJ.” The entire class laughed and she said, “I’d rather you didn’t.” Once I learned what it meant a few years later, I went back to her to apologize for that. Luckily the other students didn’t keep the nickname for her.

I haven’t, but only because I can’t think of something that I’ve done that I need to apologize for. I must ponder this… On the flip side, I’m still waiting for an apology from someone with whom I attended junior high. He probably forgot it but I sure haven’t! And yes, in the grand scheme of life, it is a bit trivial.

@tedibear But even if you didn’t care, you would still appreciate he found you and told you, right?

@Blackberry – Yes, I would. But he’s a little busy running an amphibious assault ship right now!

I’m very aware if I think I need to apologize for anything, so yes.
I am big on communication, and if, for any reason I feel my words may have been misconstrued I’ll make sure to clarify and apologize. I have never done anything bad enough to warrant issuing a huge apology. My faux paus are usually along the lines of catching myself if something I say doesn’t come out right and could possibly be perceived as rude, insensitive or assumptive.

My problem is the opposite, I have rarely ever RECEIVED a genuine apology form anyone else. haha