When was the last time someone said “I’m sorry” to you?

When was the last time you said “I’m sorry” to your spouse and really meant it? 

Somewhere along the line, many couples go from being:  Sweethearts to newlyweds to I can’t stand the sight of your face anymore, and I want you out of my life!

Why?

For many reasons. One is because they don’t say “I’m sorry” as much anymore, if at all.

We become so familiar with our spouses that we take them for granted and treat them like just about any other person instead of the soul mate, lover, and best friend that they are. 

A marriage in which the words “I’m sorry” are rarely, if ever, spoken is a marriage that is filled with loneliness, isolation, and emotional, spiritual, or physical distance.

An Apology That Heals

Tom and Sarah had been married for five years, and like most couples, they had their fair share of disagreements. One evening, after a long day of work, they got into a heated argument about something small — yet it escalated quickly. In the heat of the moment, Tom said things that hurt Sarah, words he immediately regretted but couldn’t take back.

For a while, they avoided talking about the fight. The tension was palpable, and it weighed on both of them. Tom knew he needed to apologize, but he wasn’t sure how to do it without making it sound like a rushed or forced attempt.

The next day, instead of just saying “I’m sorry” and moving on, Tom decided to take a different approach. He sat Sarah down, looked her in the eye, and said, “I know I hurt you last night. What I said was wrong, and I’m truly sorry. You deserve more than that. I let my frustration get the best of me, and I regret that I spoke to you that way. You mean the world to me, and I want to make sure we never get to that point again.”

Sarah paused, took a deep breath, and nodded. The sincerity in Tom’s voice told her more than the apology itself. It wasn’t just about the words; it was about taking responsibility and acknowledging the hurt. She appreciated that he didn’t just brush it off or try to explain himself — he owned it and showed humility.

The simple, heartfelt apology shifted the atmosphere in their home. They both felt a weight lifted, and though it took time to heal completely, they were reminded of the importance of owning their mistakes and taking the time to genuinely apologize.

It’s Worth Considering

Consider your relationship with your spouse. Is it time you said “I’m sorry” for something?

Sometimes, a simple “I’m sorry” can be the key that opens the door to healing and closeness in a marriage. Don’t let pride or silence create distance between you. If there’s something weighing on your heart, take a moment to apologize — with sincerity, humility, and love. It might just be the thing that brings you closer than ever before.