Sorry really does seem to be the hardest word.
Four in ten Brits don’t like saying sorry – because they think they are ‘never’ wrong, a survey reveals.
A poll of 1,000 adults aged 20-50 found nearly a fifth (18 per cent) don’t feel ‘comfortable’ making an apology and 15 per cent don’t like admitting when they are wrong.
And 23 per cent even feel embarrassed at the thought of apologising.
Not wanting to re-ignite conflict, having difficulty expressing emotion, and putting it down to principal were also cited as reasons that stop someone saying sorry.
The study found the average 20-50-year-old says sorry around three times a week – amounting to more than 150 heartfelt apologies a year.
More than four in ten (41 per cent) claim to typically be the first to apologise – whether they think they are in the wrong or not.
And 38 per cent have previously said sorry for something without meaning it. A third have regretted apologising about a particular thing.
The study was commissioned by HONOR to mark its Magic V3 launch, which has partnered with 78-year-old micro-artist, Graham Short, to issue the world’s smallest apology to customers of chunkier foldable devices.
Those feeling a little disappointed with the large size of their current device from rival brands can read a 166-word apology hand-engraved on the hinge of the 9.2mm thin foldable phone.
Avikar Jolly, CMO for HONOR EUROPE, which has also created a quiz to find out how good or bad people are at saying sorry, said: ‘Sorry often seems to be the hardest word.
‘Even when people don’t believe they’re in the wrong, an apology can go a long way to demonstrate empathy – especially when there is something better on offer.’
The biggest bugbear people have is when someone says sorry but clearly doesn’t mean what they say (48 per cent).
Avikar Jolly added: ‘Breaking down the barriers of saying sorry can be difficult for a lot of people, especially if pride or fear gets in the way.
‘However, a well-delivered apology can transform a relationship as it shows maturity, respect, and a willingness to put the other person’s feelings first.
‘We know size matters and that we’ve put foldable owners in a predicament, which is why we wanted to issue a sincere apology to those who might be saddened by the release of the Magic V3.’