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In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry.
Margaret Laurence
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Interpretation

What this quote means

In this quote, 'sorry' holds greater significance in the family's interactions than 'please'.

Margaret Laurence's quote highlights the importance of acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility within familial relationships. Rather than just being polite with words like 'please', the emphasis on 'sorry' suggests that in her family, owning up to faults and expressing genuine remorse were key to maintaining strong bonds and fostering an environment of understanding and forgiveness.

Themes

FamilyApologyForgivenessRelationshipsCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

During a family gathering, someone might reflect on past disagreements and quote this to emphasize the importance of apologies.

More from Margaret Laurence

Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.
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