An apology, meaningfully and thoughtfully given, transforms. It transforms us, empowering us to take ownership of our actions and behavior. It transforms relationships between couples, paving the way for love and intimacy. It transforms relationships between peoples, giving them the courage to take responsibility for the past and standing up for racial equality and justice.

These are lessons I keep learning in the life I share with my wife, Yvonne Rainbow Teplitsky. Rainbow is an artist, fashion designer, and founder of the Artsy Goddess Studio. Together, Rainbow and I continue to hone our skills in the art of apology. We consistently learn about the truths of apologies and forgiveness, whether it’s from our daily interactions with each other or from social and human rights movements like the Black Lives Matter movement.

In today’s episode, Rainbow and I discuss why apologizing is as essential in relationships as appreciating. We illustrate how upbringing and social and cultural environments can affect our attitudes toward taking responsibility and asking for forgiveness. We reveal the foundation of giving meaningful and profound apologies and underscore the role of empathy in this foundation. We also share how we apologize to each other and explain how apologizing brings connection and healing.

 

“A happy marriage is between people who are willing to apologize and forgive.” - Yvonne Rainbow Teplitsky

 

This week on Relationships! Let’s Talk About It:

• The value of asking for forgiveness in today’s social climate
• How important and impactful apologies have been in our relationship
• Why we emphasize apologizing as much as appreciation in committed relationships
• How Rainbow used to find apologies dreadful but now sees it as an opportunity for connection
• Why the inability to apologize is a source of dysfunction in relationships
• How apologizing paves the way for understanding, intimacy, and empowerment
• The pillars of giving a profound and meaningful apology
• The importance of waiting to be ready before apologizing
• Why an apology shouldn’t come with defending or explaining a behavior
• How culture, upbringing, and social environments create negative behaviors around apologizing and taking responsibility
• Creating a bridge for connection by apologizing first
• Why learning to receive an apology is as important as giving it
• Sharing feelings of hurt, discomfort, or shame without disconnection and how to respond to its expression

 

Related Content: 

• The Art of Apology
• The Art of Appreciation
• The Art of Listening
• Maintaining Connection Through Conflict
• Practicing Empathy is Key to Building Trust

 

Connect with Yvonne Rainbow Teplitsky:

• Artsy Goddess Studio
• Yvonne on LinkedIn
• Yvonne on Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

 

Let’s Talk About It!

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Theme music “These Streets” provided by Adi the Monk