Amends Making

How do we make a decent amends? The formula is pretty simple; the execution is usually complicated. This is why several steps and lots of conversations are usually required to prepare for the amends itself. We think about our expectations. We learn the difference between making a wrong right and expecting something in return. We distinguish between an amends and a restored relationship. We learn that we can ask for forgiveness, but our responsibility is to right the wrong without expecting it. More factors will also be discussed and worked through. But there will come a day when you are ready to make the amends, and you want to do it in such a way that no additional harm is created.

A decent amends goes something like this:

“Hey, I want to make an amends to you for the harm I caused, if you are willing to meet with me and hear it. Is that ok?”

If the person agrees you reply, “Thanks.” Set up a time and place to meet.

Then you get back to work making sure you are prepared for the meeting. On the meeting day, you come with your expectations in check and your willingness to fix what is broken on full display.

To be continued…