Last night I said "I'm sorry" for a different reason than to apologize for my own errors; last night I said "I'm sorry" as a way to acknowledge and comfort someone who had been made aware of some life-changing news. Saying, "I'm sorry for your loss" seemed appropriate. I did not contribute to their sadness; I was not responsible for their emotions because of this news. Yet my "I'm so sorry" communicated to that person shared understanding--for I have lived the same loss--the same emotion--and the same sadness.
"Learn to say, 'I'm sorry.' Learn to mean it. Learn when to say and use it."
I believe apologizing when you are in the wrong is never inappropriate or ill-advised. I also believe that sometimes a sincere, heartfelt, "I'm sorry" as a condolence can communicate so much more than long-winded advice.
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