Writers 
Sorry, Thank You and Pardon Me — The Words That Strengthen Relationships
In Part 1, we explored “please” and “excuse me,” two simple expressions that teach us the importance of respect and consideration.
But there are three more words that deserve our attention: sorry, thank you, and pardon me.
These expressions are common, but using them sincerely can require something that is not always common—humility.
SORRY: The Courage to Accept Responsibility
“Sorry” is probably one of the most difficult words for many people to say.
Why?
Because admitting that we are wrong can be uncomfortable.
When we hurt someone, our first instinct is sometimes to defend ourselves. We explain why we acted the way we did. We point out what the other person did wrong. We say, “I only reacted because you…”
Before long, what should have been an apology becomes an argument.
A genuine “sorry” requires us to pause and take responsibility for our own actions.
It does not necessarily mean that the other person was completely right. It simply means we are mature enough to acknowledge where we were wrong.
There is a significant difference between saying:
“I'm sorry you feel that way.”
and
“I'm sorry for what I said. I realize that I hurt you.”
The first can sound like an attempt to avoid responsibility. The second acknowledges it.
An apology does not erase what happened, but it can create a doorway toward healing.
Sometimes, a relationship does not need a long explanation. It needs someone willing to say:
“I was wrong. I'm sorry.”
THANK YOU: The Power of Gratitude
“Thank you” is perhaps one of the easiest words to say, yet it is surprisingly easy to forget.
We often notice people's mistakes more quickly than their efforts.
We complain when someone does something wrong but remain silent when they do something right.
We become so accustomed to someone's kindness that we begin to treat it as an obligation.
Think about the people who have helped you in small ways.
Someone who checked on you when you were having a difficult day.
Someone who encouraged you when you wanted to give up.
Someone who shared their time, knowledge, food, money, or opportunity with you.
Someone who simply showed up when you needed company.
These things may seem ordinary, but they are worth appreciating.
Gratitude changes relationships because it makes people feel seen and valued.
Imagine working hard on something for someone and receiving no acknowledgment. Now imagine receiving a simple, sincere:
“Thank you. I really appreciate what you did.”
The action may have already been completed, but those words can make the effort feel meaningful.
Gratitude also changes the person expressing it. When we consciously recognize the good things people do for us, we become less entitled and more appreciative.
Not everything people do for us is their responsibility.
Sometimes, someone is simply being kind.
And kindness deserves recognition.
PARDON ME: The Humility to Reconsider
“Pardon me” is another expression that has gradually become less common in everyday conversations.
It can be used when asking someone to repeat themselves, acknowledging a misunderstanding, or recognizing that we may have caused an inconvenience.
The beauty of the expression is that it creates room for humility.
Not every disagreement requires someone to win.
Sometimes, we misunderstand.
Sometimes, we hear incorrectly.
Sometimes, we speak too quickly.
Sometimes, we are simply wrong.
Being able to say “Pardon me” or “I may have misunderstood you” shows that we are willing to reconsider our position.
That kind of humility can prevent small misunderstandings from becoming major conflicts.
THE REAL MAGIC IS IN THE ATTITUDE
The five words are simple:
Please.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Thank you.
Pardon me.
But the words themselves are not enough.
You can say “sorry” without meaning it.
You can say “thank you” without feeling grateful.
You can say “please” while still treating someone poorly.
Therefore, the real lesson is not about memorizing five expressions. It is about developing the attitudes behind them.
Please teaches respect.
Excuse me teaches consideration.
Sorry teaches accountability.
Thank you teaches gratitude.
Pardon me teaches humility.
These qualities are valuable everywhere—in friendships, marriages, families, schools, businesses, workplaces, and communities.
Imagine a workplace where people know how to apologize instead of shifting blame.
Imagine a family where appreciation is expressed freely.
Imagine friendships where people can admit when they have misunderstood one another.
Imagine communities where people respect personal space and communicate their needs without unnecessary hostility.
Perhaps the world would not become perfect, but it would certainly become kinder.
A SIMPLE CHALLENGE
The next time you need something from someone, remember please.
When you need to pass, interrupt, or get someone's attention, remember excuse me.
When you make a mistake, don't let pride prevent you from saying sorry.
When someone helps you, don't assume they had to—say thank you.
And when you misunderstand or inconvenience someone, be humble enough to say pardon me.
These words may take only seconds to speak, but their effects can last much longer.
Good manners are not about pretending to be perfect. They are about recognizing that other people deserve dignity, consideration, and respect.
At the end of the day, our character is often revealed in the small moments: how we speak to someone who cannot benefit us, how we respond when we are wrong, how we treat people when we are in a hurry, and whether we appreciate those who make our lives easier.
The five magic words may be simple, but the values they represent are timeless.
In a world that often celebrates being loud, being right, and being first, perhaps we need to rediscover the quiet strength of being respectful, accountable, grateful, considerate, and humble.
Sometimes, a better relationship does not begin with a grand gesture.
Sometimes, it begins with just five words.
Please. Excuse me. Sorry. Thank you. Pardon me.