You've probably heard the saying, "it takes a big man to admit he was wrong." This is more true than you and I will ever know. People respect someone who can say "I'm sorry". And what's more is that it is easier to forgive someone who apologizes. A person who never apologizes is often viewed as stubborn, hard-headed, insincere, and non-caring. Is that how you want to be viewed?

So next time you need to apologize, go out of your way to do it right, mean it, and correct the problem that led to you needing to apologize in the first place. You'll be a much better person because of it.

Taking the time to apologize dramatically reduces the tension in a situation. In fact, an August 2002 Psychology Today article titled "I'm Sorry" states:

"An apology is crucial to our mental and even physical health. Recent research shows that receiving an apology has a noticeable, positive physical effect on the body. An apology actually affects the bodily functions of the person receiving it -- blood pressure decreases, heart rate slows and breathing becomes steadier."

One of the most popular relationship books on the market is called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. The book identifies five love languages (quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch) and states that each of us have a primary love language that makes us feel more loved. For example, some women feel more loved when they get flowers or jewelry (gifts) while others feel more loved when you touch them and hug them (physical touch).