Do you know what to say when you’ve made a mistake?
Take this short QUIZ to find out how good you are at apologizing.
For each pair of statements below, circle A or B beside the expression that best
represents how you tend to respond when you have to apologize to someone.
1
A You’re too sensitive. I was only joking.
B I’m sorry I’ve damaged your trust.
2
A I’m not going to apologize. It shows weakness.
B I did it and I have no excuse.
3
A I should be excused because I didn’t mean to do it.
B I’m responsible for the mistake.
4
A That’s just silly but I am sorry you feel that way.
B My actions were unacceptable.
5
A The devil made me do it.
B My heart aches over what I’ve done.
6
A What’s the big deal? O.K. I guess I’m sorry.
B I know that what I did was wrong, period.
7
A To the extent that you were offended, I apologize.
B I realize that talk is cheap. I need to show you how I’ll change.
8
A Are you serious? Give me a break. I was having a bad day.
B I will do the work to fix my mistake.
9
A You need to get over it. Why can’t you let bygones be bygones?
B I will rebuild your trust by not making this mistake in the future.
10
A There’s nothing I can do about that now. I can’t take away the past.
B Can you ever forgive me?
SCORING KEY:
Add up only the number of B’s you circled and enter the total here: ________
If you total score is:
0-3
Bad news. Your “sorry” is pretty sorry. You have a bad habit of blaming, excusing, and denying when your back is against the wall. This habit is likely to cause trouble in your relationships
4-8
Hang in there. You need to get your “sorry” on more often. If you do, you will find more love and trust flowing your way in life.
9-10
Congratulations! Your “sorry” is top notch. You know what to say when sorry isn’t enough. This skill is likely bringing you happy relationships both at work and at home.
Turn the way you apologize into a tool that will transform your relationships. Let #1 New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas unveil new ways to take the tension out of saying you’re sorry and make things right again. When Sorry Isn’t Enough will help you:
Cool down heated arguments.
Offer apologies that are fully accepted.
Trade in tired excuses for honesty, trust, and joy.
Get out of the “dog house” today and restore a valuable relationship.
