The reason why these phrases are hardest to say is because we do not want to admit that we have caused anything that broke or hurt a relationship. Most of the time we say that it was the other person’s fault. And we wait for him or her to be the first to apologize. However, the apology never comes because the other person is also waiting for it.

And we know that relationships within the family and outside of it sometimes end because of the lack of this apology. We know many break-ups occur simply because one or the other never took the step to apologize.

Why is it so hard to admit that we were wrong and to apologize? Its simple… that’s human nature, a weakness which puts us above the others. What we need is to overcome this devotion to self. This requires personal growth, empathy and caring for the other. These are what we need in healing relationships for couples. And a simple apology will restore that broken relationship.

It does not matter who did wrong when a relationship is broken. Its important that we take the first step. Keep in mind that the other person feels the same way. We should say something that can lead to healing such as “I’m truly sorry that we are having this problem. Can we talk about making things right again?"

Taking a step like this almost always leads to healing a broken relationship. And most of the time, the conversation results in both parties apologizing and this usually results to a stronger relationship.

Any kind of healing in relationship for couples obviously requires some forgiveness. This should come from the heart before it is said in words.

One must be careful however, in expressing forgiveness. To say “I forgive you" in the middle of a fight might be misinterpreted as “You were wrong," and would only make things worse. We should say “I forgive you" only when the other person asks for forgiveness. Then these become the perfect words. Forgiveness has the power to heal not only the relationship but also the bodies and the minds of both persons.

Remember, in healing relationships for couples, we already have the words. We just need to say them.

Have a great relationship by using words that heal.