Make It Up To You

I know it’s hard, but don’t punish people for apologizing.

When you’re upset with someone, it’s easy to want to push them away. It’s natural to protect yourself, and a little distance isn’t always bad if it lets you cool off. But if the other person is trying to apologize, don’t respond with more anger. Especially if they’re using more than words – gestures that take effort are meaningful. If you attack the gesture, you teach the other person not to try that again in the future.

If you find that you’re still angry even after such efforts, then that’s the time to talk. You’re still angry because you feel like the core issue is unresolved, but the other person has opened the door to that discussion. They’ve shown that they want to make things right, and if you have a specific way you want that to happen, say so. It’s harder than staying angry, but it’s also much more rewarding.