Apologies and Relationships: How to Say Sorry and Mean It

In this episode of How to Split a Toaster, Seth and Pete dive into the art of apologizing effectively with special guest Susan McCarthy, co-author of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies. Together, they explore the anatomy of a sincere apology, discuss common pitfalls, and share insights on how mastering the apology can improve your relationships, especially during a divorce – and we’re not just talking about with your spouse or ex but your kids as well!

Susan, a renowned author who has written about animal behavior and humor, brings her expertise on crafting effective apologies to the conversation. Seth and Pete engage her in a thought-provoking discussion on why people struggle with apologizing, the importance of teaching children how to apologize correctly, and how a well-executed apology can make a significant difference in the divorce process.

Questions we answer in this episode:

• What are the key components of a sincere apology?
• How can a genuine apology impact divorce proceedings?
• Why is it crucial to teach children the art of apologizing?

Key Takeaways:

• A proper apology consists of six essential steps, including expressing remorse, acknowledging the specific wrongdoing, and demonstrating an understanding of the impact.
• Apologies can be powerful tools in mediation and can help couples reach agreements during a divorce.
• Mastering the art of apologizing can lead to healthier relationships and emotional well-being.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and strengthen their relationships. Whether you're going through a divorce or simply want to learn how to apologize effectively, Seth, Pete, and Susan provide practical advice and real-life examples to help you navigate the complexities of saying "I'm sorry" and meaning it.

Links & Notes

• SorryWatch.com
• Get Susan’s and Marjorie’s Book in hardback or paperback
• Schedule a consult with Seth
• Got a question you want to ask on the show? Click here!

• (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster
• (00:26) - Meet Susan McCarthy
• (03:07) - Analyzing Apologies
• (03:30) - The 'Saving Your Pride' Problem
• (04:04) - Apologies in the Divorce Process
• (05:26) - Divorce and Apology Backstory
• (08:42) - Six Parts of a Good Apology
• (11:10) - Between Spouses
• (12:45) - In Mediation
• (14:19) - Not Making It Worse
• (16:41) - Getting Past Grudges
• (21:55) - Dissecting Apologies
• (24:27) - The Media Matters
• (27:03) - Positive Example
• (29:25) - Receiving an Apology
• (30:23) - Sorry Not Sorry
• (30:45) - Changes to Apologies in Modern Culture
• (33:29) - Apologies to Your Kids
• (37:30) - Over-Apologizing?
• (39:37) - Apologies with Gifts?
• (41:01) - Practicing
• (44:18) - Susan’s Book
• (45:46) - Wrap Up