Question from a reader:
It seems that people who have had an affair and held a press conference to apologize are relatively less criticized by the media. Conversely, when someone makes excuses or responds half-heartedly, it often leads to a much bigger backlash. Even though the act of infidelity itself remains unchanged, does the way one handles the situation matter? Or
does the reaction depend on the character of the individual?
Apology and Subsequent Reactions
Recently, I saw news about a celebrity who had an affair and held a press conference to apologize. In that moment, I thought to myself, “Apologizing can actually be quite effective.” The media might get excited at first, but often it just ends with a single apology, and then it’s “Okay, that’s done.” On the other hand, if someone tries to make excuses or evade the issue, they become prime targets for the media. There are so many points to criticize that they end up being attacked for a long time.
Human Nature Might Be a Factor
Of course, a person’s character greatly influences the situation. If someone is generally well-liked, people might think, “Well, it’s that person, so it’s understandable.” However, if someone is disliked, it feels natural for them to be criticized, and the reactions can be completely different even with the same behavior. The other day, I was discussing this with a friend, and he made an interesting comment: “Press conferences for apologies are a form of entertainment.” It’s true that when watching TV, there are moments when you can’t help but laugh at the sight of someone apologizing. For viewers at home, it often becomes just a topic of curiosity.
My Own Experiences and Thoughts
I have also made small mistakes in the past. I’ve been late to meet friends or missed important meetings. In those situations, I realized how important it is to sincerely apologize. Initially, I felt nervous, but surprisingly, the other person often accepts the apology with kindness. Conversely, when I make excuses or try to evade the issue, it usually makes things worse. In the end, I felt that an apology is not just a formality but an important step in building trust with others. Moving forward, I intend to face any issues sincerely when they arise. What do you all think? If you have experiences with apologies or interesting stories, please share them in the comments!
