Apologies and Relationships: How to Say Sorry and Mean It In this episode of How to Split a Toaster, Seth and Pete dive into the art of apologizing effectively with special guest Susan McCarthy, co-author of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies. Together, they explore the anatomy of a sincere apology, discuss common pitfalls, and share insights on how mastering the apology can improve your relationships, especially during a divorce – and we’re not just talking about with your spouse or ex but your kids as well! Susan, a renowned author who has written about animal behavior and humor, brings her expertise on crafting effective apologies to the conversation. Seth and Pete engage her in a thought-provoking discussion on why people struggle with apologizing, the importance of teaching children how to apologize correctly, and how a well-executed apology can make a significant difference in the divorce process. Questions we answer in this episode: What are the key components of a sincere apology?How can a genuine apology impact divorce proceedings?Why is it crucial to teach children the art of apologizing?Key Takeaways: A proper apology consists of six essential steps, including expressing remorse, acknowledging the specific wrongdoing, and demonstrating an understanding of the impact.Apologies can be powerful tools in mediation and can help couples reach agreements during a divorce.Mastering the art of apologizing can lead to healthier relationships and emotional well-being.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and strengthen their relationships. Whether you're going through a divorce or simply want to learn how to apologize effectively, Seth, Pete, and Susan provide practical advice and real-life examples to help you navigate the complexities of saying "I'm sorry" and meaning it. Links & Notes SorryWatch.comGet Susan’s and Marjorie’s Book in hardback or paperbackSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Susan McCarthy (03:07) - Analyzing Apologies (03:30) - The 'Saving Your Pride' Problem (04:04) - Apologies in the Divorce Process (05:26) - Divorce and Apology Backstory (08:42) - Six Parts of a Good Apology (11:10) - Between Spouses (12:45) - In Mediation (14:19) - Not Making It Worse (16:41) - Getting Past Grudges (21:55) - Dissecting Apologies (24:27) - The Media Matters (27:03) - Positive Example (29:25) - Receiving an Apology (30:23) - Sorry Not Sorry (30:45) - Changes to Apologies in Modern Culture (33:29) - Apologies to Your Kids (37:30) - Over-Apologizing? (39:37) - Apologies with Gifts? (41:01) - Practicing (44:18) - Susan’s Book (45:46) - Wrap Up