Ever said "I'm sorry" just to move on? You're not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to apologize in a way that actually heals and not just hushes the hurt. We'll share what experts say about why it's so hard to say sorry, what makes an apology sincere, and how humility can transform even the most awkward moments into deeper connection.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why apologizing feels so difficult (and what’s really behind it)
How to make "I'm sorry" more than just words
The difference between regret and a true apology
What humility has to do with healing and reconciliation
A practical, faith-based process for rebuilding trust after hurt

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Real apologies focus on the other person's pain, not our own discomfort.
Humility is the foundation of every meaningful apology.
"I'm sorry if…" or "I'm sorry but…" aren't true apologies—they're defenses.
Taking responsibility rebuilds connection faster than explaining your intent.
A sincere apology requires empathy, ownership, and change.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Look back at your most recent apologies. Were they centered on your own feelings or your spouse's experience? This week, practice making your next "I'm sorry" one that reflects humility, empathy, and love.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Ashleigh's weekly e-newsletter at AshleighSlater.com, so you never miss what's next. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
“Study: The states that apologize the most” by Matt Zajechowski
“Why is it so hard to apologize?” TedX Talk by Michael Ballard
“Why Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by F. Diane Barth
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologiesby Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy

 

Ever said "I'm sorry" just to move on? You're not alone. In this episode, we&rsquo;re talking about how to apologize in a way that actually heals and not just hushes the hurt. We'll share what experts say about why it's so hard to say sorry, what makes an apology sincere, and how humility can transform even the most awkward moments into deeper connection.
WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>Why apologizing feels so difficult (and what&rsquo;s really behind it)</li>
<li>How to make "I'm sorry" more than just words</li>
<li>The difference between regret and a true apology</li>
<li>What humility has to do with healing and reconciliation</li>
<li>A practical, faith-based process for rebuilding trust after hurt</li>
</ul>
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>Real apologies focus on the other person's pain, not our own discomfort.</li>
<li>Humility is the foundation of every meaningful apology.</li>
<li>"I'm sorry if&hellip;" or "I'm sorry but&hellip;" aren't true apologies&mdash;they're defenses.</li>
<li>Taking responsibility rebuilds connection faster than explaining your intent.</li>
<li>A sincere apology requires empathy, ownership, and change.</li>
</ul>
US TIME CHALLENGE
Look back at your most recent apologies. Were they centered on your own feelings or your spouse's experience? This week, practice making your next "I'm sorry" one that reflects humility, empathy, and love.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Ashleigh's weekly e-newsletter at AshleighSlater.com, so you never miss what's next.&nbsp;
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li><a href="https://preply.com/en/blog/states-that-apologize-most/">&ldquo;Study: The states that apologize the most&rdquo;</a> by Matt Zajechowski</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK8eqwWqw-k&amp;t=106s">&ldquo;Why is it so hard to apologize?&rdquo; </a>TedX Talk by Michael Ballard</li>
<li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-couch/201404/why-sorry-seems-be-the-hardest-word">&ldquo;Why Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word&rdquo;</a> by F. Diane Barth</li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/5X77q7i">Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies</a> by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because...

Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit <a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

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