The Value of an Apology

What is your view/opinion/etc about Apologies? Do you think they are effective? Do you believe that they should mean something? Will you teach children the value of it and follow those values as well?

From the beginning of time, children have been taught to apologize for hurting someone else. They are taught to accept those apologies when they feel the time is right. Most children bounce back and accept it right away, maybe some will take a moment to think about it, and rarely some take more than a day to respond. Children apologize to their friends, schoolmates, siblings, and even apologize to their parents. As adults, do we accept that apology wholeheartedly or we just acknowledge the fact that they "have" to say it?

I understand that things will never be the same after having to apologize for something, but it takes strength for people to say they are sorry. Admitting that they did something to hurt someone, admitting that they acted wrongfully... and willingly stood up, took a chance, and apologized. It takes greater strength to accept an apology, to show someone that you can move passed certain things.

The only difference is that I believe an apology should come from both parties. Not just one, always feeling like they have to apologize to the other... Nobody is perfect, why should the one doing the forgiving... be the only one to forgive?

Now I come back around. People teach their children to apologize, but in turn don't apologize or believe in the apology at all. Hypocrisy at its best. Don't teach your child values that you don't believe in. I fully believe in apologies, I think that they do some good in teaching how to move forward instead of dwelling on one thing. Yes, it changes things... but nothing really ever stays the same? We grow, we learn, we move on.