As a couples’ therapist, I get asked LOTS of interesting questions. And, no matter what type of “interesting” it is, I always appreciate them. Because, when you’re asking questions, you’re showing that you’re willing to grow and learn.

One question I get asked more than you think is, “Is there a right time to apologize?”.  The answer is one of those amazing yes, and no, answers.  

Let me explain.

Yes, there is a right time to apologize. You don’t want it to come too quickly after the hurt occurred, as usually your partner is too emotional to hear the sincerity of your words. You also don’t want to wait so long that your words feel more like an afterthought, rather than an authentic apology.

With that being said, it’s never too late to apologize.  Even if it feels like too much time has passed, there’s always an opportunity to make it right.

If there’s something that needs to be attended to in your relationship, then now is the time to take the opportunity and clean it up. Don’t let the “it’s been too long” excuse hold you back from righting wrongs.

Use this week’s relationship tip as a way to challenge yourself to make it right.  Your relationship can’t progress forward if you have piles of unspoken apologies lingering around.

Keep at it my friend,

-A