MKD,
I agree…such people are among the MOST DIFFICULT to deal with. They have way too much** pride** and can’t bear to be wrong even if it is clear to EVERYONE around them that they are wrong. They still won’t apologize because they feel that saying “sorry” is a sign of weakness or makes one look weak. Perhaps in their family and upbringing, apologizing for mistakes was not practiced. Either way, having such pride is a frustrating quality and can be detrimental to relationships. Such people hurt others, don’t apologize, and then resume talking to their friend as though nothing ever happened. What such people don’t seem to understand is that sometimes apologizing can provide some “closure” to a relationship and heal wounds. And when this doesn’t happen…it leads to the development of a grudge within the victim that can fester because of the offender’s lack of sensitivity. Also, if the offender continues behaving in such a manner…he/she will eventually lose friends.
I also feel that if you constantly apologize even when you haven’t made a mistake…the offender feels more SUPERIOR. It gives the OFFENDER a sense of power. I’m telling you this from experience because I used to apologize when not necessary. And this gives some people a sick pleasure. So, my suggestion is that you avoid apologizing for wrongs you haven’t committed. It’s not healthy. Instead, take a break, and resume talking to the individual as if nothing happened (when you know that you’re innocent). On the other hand, if you KNOW that you’re wrong…or if someone has explained how your actions have hurt them…then apologize. But if you’re innocent…don’t bother with it.