Have you ever been accused, abused or chastised unjustly by someone older? When he finds you innocent of his claims, did he tender an apology? In some cultures, adults apologize even to little Babies, they treat them as fellow humans with feelings but in some other cultures, adults hardly apologize to younger ones. They are hardly wrong, even if it is glaring. Could it be inherent in them not to apologize or is it because of pride or ego? How do we teach our kids if we as adults hardly admit our mistakes and apologize?
When I was young, I made a mental note that I would always apologize to my kids when I accuse them falsely because my parents never did. They were wonderful parents but that unapologetic side of them, I resented.
Worse of was an incidence that happened on the day I resumed work officially in a School, some years ago. Before resuming, I was asked to come on the vacation day to help distribute report sheets to students which was actually meant for a Corper. She ended her NYSC few days before that vacation day. So on the vacation day, I was handed the report sheets which I distributed to the parents accordingly. At the end of the day, the School went on three weeks vacation.
As I sat in my space, trying to familiarize with the Scheme of work and the textbooks on my desk, a student walked into my office and informed me that my Boss needs my attention. Quickly, I jumped up from my seat and followed her.
As I opened the door of my Boss' office, I saw the man and his son, my Boss was there along with other senior teachers. The student who had come to call me was present as well. Just when my greeting fell on the ears of my Boss, his response was "YOU! So, simple Mathematics you don't know? How can you make such a silly mistake?" Pointing to the report sheet, she continued "How on earth can 10+15+30 be equal to 35?"
I tried to explain that I wasn't the one who compiled and computed the results, but he lashed out again "Will you take this result away and go and correct it? Stop embarrassing yourself".
I almost fainted out of shame and disgrace.I am innocent. I just took the result away and closed the door. Immediately, tears rolled down my cheeks. "Is this how they behave here? I am an adult and educated as he, how can he humiliate me this much in front of students, for what I know nothing about?" I thought to myself.
Just then a staff called Edith appeared. She was a pleasant lady who comforted me without knowing what happened. She reminded me that I am in a School environment, "what if students see you crying?" she asked while trying to comfort me. . She took me to the nearest rest room where I had enough freedom to cry on her shoulders. I told her the whole story and she took my side. She assured me that it's not my fault but I should go and correct the problem. I did, I scored the child the appropriate mark.
I left, still sad that He refused to get the point nor apologize. However, the parent upon leaving his office came to mine to beg that I should not take it hard on his child. He admitted that he didn't have the details earlier, else he would have come directly to me instead of going to my Boss. I can not remain resentful with my Boss else I would not enjoy my new-found job.
Ever since then, I take apologizing seriously and never allow anyone to accuse me falsely without baring my mind. No matter who you are, dignify others, give them a chance of fair hearing. Be humble enough to apologize when you wrong someone. It is a noble quality when you accept your fault and apologize. But when people hardly apologize when they wrong you, take it as life experience and move on.
Thanks @hive-naija, this is my entry into the prompt for this week.
Thanks guys for stopping by.
Yours @adoore-eu
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