genn,

i use the word sorry for all the reasons already mentioned. it expresses my sad feeling that i have hurt someone or caused them some sort of trouble or difficulty.

i never heard the words I'm sorry from any adult while i grew up in a rotten homelife. i would have been very willing to forgive my adults if they had ever just said the words. the lack of those words made the bad things they did to me just that much more painful.

when i say i am sorry i sometimes feel insecure, regretful or ashamed depending on what misdemeanor i've committed or which person i am speaking too and how likely they are to just forgive me or to just put me through the ringer for messing up. my daughters forgive freely and with love. my spouse is another story. he forgives legally while they forgive from the heart. i'll take heart over law any day.

leah