Has anyone else noticed Sorry is avoiding introducing himself these days? I can’t figure out why he is being so bashful? It’s not like it’s hard to say “I’m Sorry.” His name isn’t ridiculously long or hard to pronounce.
His silence when meeting others is awkward to be around. I saw another guy make an attempt at introductions recently. “Hello, I’m Hurtby Whatyousaid.” Do you think Sorry said anything in response? Nope! He just shrugged his shoulders and looked away. I chimed in “by the way, he’s Sorry” just to keep things cordial. I hate having to tell others he’s Sorry. Why can’t he just say he’s Sorry himself? Maybe he has amnesia and doesn’t realize he is actually Sorry? Or maybe he’s upset with his circumstances and doesn’t want to be Sorry anymore? Whatever it is, he needs to work things out so he is capable of being Sorry again.
There have been times when Sorry seems to be making an effort, but he’s actually playing games. His real name is Sorry Ididthat. He’ll try to trick people by saying he’s Sorry Youfeelthatway. It’s so frustrating. You can totally tell people see right through him.
To be fair, I can remember some times when he’s introduced himself and people have acted weird. Maybe that’s turned him off. One person shouted “No you’re not!” What was he supposed to say to that? Another expected him to prove it with a trinket. “If you’re really Sorry you’ll buy me a necklace.” Sorry’s a good guy, but he’s not made of money. Then there are those who have told him being Sorry isn’t good enough. “If you think you’re Sorry now, just you wait!” I’m not sure how they could actually make him more Sorry than he his already, but the suggestion isn’t pleasant.
Perhaps it’s not such a mystery why my friend hasn’t been himself lately. If you happen to see Sorry, will you do me a favor? Tell him you appreciate and accept him. If we build up his confidence, maybe he won’t be so hesitant to show himself anymore.
Lisa, you have an amazing gift with words! This one is my favorite so far. Well said!
I like this one. I deal with students all day long in music class that have no idea about sorry. The motivation behind sorry is taking responsibility for your actions whether those actions were intended or not. A student is walking to line up and isn’t looking where he is going. BUMP he goes into Johnny. Since Sorry isn’t in the nature of this population, his first response is anger at the audacity Sam had to invade his space so violently! Even though it was quite by accident with never a thought of “assaulting” Johnny, Sam doesn’t say sorry. Escalation comes next with Sam in an being insulted to the point of anger at the other boy’s assumptions. Sorry could have deflected the anger of the other boy leaaving him with nothing to be so mad about. If said more often in such situations its possible that Johnny who was bumped in the first place would have allowed himself to consider it was just an accident and be open to the question “are you alright?” Extending himself outside of his own world. This of course is a whole other topic for another blog….Lisa, you’re up.
Lot’s of good stuff in here Peter! Interesting observation. The scenario you shared plays itself out in so many different ways every day. Adults are just as guilty as those elementary students you teach. It really would be nice if we could become an “I’m sorry” and “are you alright” kind of society. I’m thinking of an angle for the blog you are challenging me to write. If you say I’m up…I’ll definitely take a swing. Stay tuned.