One thing I picked up from a superhero movie is from Spider-Man 1.
There’s that scene where Uncle Ben is trying to make Peter understand: “With great power comes great responsibility.” But Peter, hurt and angry, talks back rudely and says, “Don’t preach to me. You’re not my father.”
Later that night, Uncle Ben gets shot and dies in Peter’s arms. And Peter never gets the chance to apologize.
That scene has stayed with me.
I don’t think Peter was completely wrong for being upset. It’s normal to get angry, especially with people close to us. But what haunts me is this thought: what if I don’t get another chance to see that person again? What if my last words to someone I love are words spoken in anger?
So whenever I fight or argue with someone, I try to go back and apologize in the end. Not every single time, but most of the time. Because I’ve realized that usually, it’s not the person I hate. It’s the situation. It’s the problem we’re fighting against, not each other.
Some people tell me I should change this habit, that I shouldn’t always be the one to apologize. But honestly, I think this is one habit worth keeping.
Ego can wait. Love shouldn’t.
What's yours?