Description

Conflict with others is part of life---and so is the need to say that you're sorry. Using revealing research and real-life examples, Chapman and Thomas offer proven techniques for speaking and hearing effective apologies; and outline practical steps for repairing relationships with spouses, friends, family members, and co-workers. Includes Apology Assessment Profile. 224 pages, hardcover from Northfield.

Product Information

Format: Hardcover Vendor: Moody Publishers Publication Date: 2006

Dimensions: 9.25 X 6.25 X 1.0 (inches) ISBN: 1881273571 ISBN-13: 9781881273578

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How many ways are there to say “I’m sorry?” Well, it depends on your language of apology.
Just as you have a different love language, you also hear and express the words and gestures of apology in a different language. Best-selling author Gary Chapman has teamed with counselor Jennifer Thomas to explore the different languages of apology and reach a whole new audience with this easy to follow and quickly applicable communication tool.

The Power Of An Apology: Unprecedented Study Examines The Way We Apologize

Best-Selling Author Gary Chapman And Psychologist Jennifer Thomas Explain How To Receive And Give Effective Apologies In New Book, The Five Languages Of Apology

CHICAGO, Ilinois, September 12, 2006 - From Tom Cruise’s apology to Brooke Shields to Mel Gibson’s apology to the Jewish community, there’s no doubt that the topic of apology—and how it’s done--is currently under close scrutiny.

Oprah Winfrey raised public ire earlier this year for her defense of author James Frey who fictionalized many parts of his memoir, A Million Little Pieces.  But after learning Frey was in the wrong, it was her subsequent on-air apology to America that impressed the public and raised her credibility to a new level.  The power of an apology catches our attention and has the ability to change lives, relationships, and even history.

In their new book, The Five Languages of Apology (Northfield Publishing/Moody, 2006), best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman (The Five Love Languages) and psychologist Dr. Jennifer Thomas offer an unprecedented study of the way we apologize, revealing that when it comes to apologizing people speak different languages.  Serving as a practical guide, The Five Languages of Apology includes a self-assessment test so readers can figure out their own apology language. 

Chapman and Thomas assert that the key to good relationships is learning the apology language of the other person and being willing to speak it.  When you speak their primary language, you make it easier for them to genuinely forgive you.  When you fail to speak their language, it makes forgiveness more difficult because they are not sure if you are genuinely apologizing.

The five languages of apology include:

§          Expressing Regret: “I am sorry”

§          Accepting Responsibility: “I was wrong”

§          Making Restitution: “What can I do to make it right?”

§          Genuinely Repenting: “I’ll try not to do that again”

§          Requesting Forgiveness: “Will you please forgive me?”

“From our observations as marital therapists, we notice a deafening lack of persuasive apologies. We believe that the shortage of apologies with impact may be a central factor in the epidemic of crumbling marriages that we see today,” said Drs. Chapman and Thomas.  “But the good news is that the art of apology can be learned, and the concept of the five languages of apology can enhance relationships not only in marriage, but in parenting, in families, in dating relationships, and at work,” said Drs. Chapman and Thomas.

The Five Languages of Apology (Northfield Publishing/Moody, ISBN: 1-8812-7357-1) is available in bookstores.  Hardcover Intro Price: $18.97.