One should not have to engage in a PhD level research project on coded communication to decipher someone’s, “I’m sorry message.” A sane person picks up the phone and calls to apologize to a friend when they’re sorry. Words matter. This isn’t a court of law, I would never judge someone at that level, if the apology were sincere and delivered with evidence of changed behavior. We are all human, and have all done things we are ashamed of. However, at an interpersonal level, being the one to pick up the phone and call, in an effort to repair the relationship is a bare minimum standard that I hold for people who have hurt me, regardless of intent.

I have value, and I will not be ground beneath anyone’s feet.

Words m