The importance of apologizing in a romantic relationship or marriage is well known, but it’s amazing how many boyfriends, girlfriends, wives and husbands have a hard time saying “I’m sorry” . . . even if they know it could stave off a breakup or divorce.

It’s a fact that saying you’re sorry (when it’s necessary) is one of the best romantic ideas you could use to improve your relationship, but even in the face of this fact too many couples find it difficult to say those three important little words.

Do you know when to say “I’m sorry?”

It’s a simple question, but an important one: when exactly should we offer an apology to our sweetheart? Not knowing when an apology is necessary or appropriate is a major underlying problem for many people who don’t say they’re sorry. Oftentimes a lover fails to apologize not because they are trying to be rude or mean, but because they just aren’t used to saying it.

If you have been told you don’t apologize enough, you may need to ask yourself whether you need to make an extra effort to pay more attention to the feelings of those around you. While you may not be purposely rude or uncaring, not showing any concern for your sweetheart’s feelings is a quick ticket to a relationship void of romance.

Start with litle “I’m sorry’s” and work up to big ones

If you need to work on your “I’m sorry” skills, start small and work your way up. If you’re a proud or stubborn person (and a lot of us are!), then practicing apologizing for little mistakes is a great way to build up your nerve to say your sorry after a serious argument.

And by starting to say “I’m sory” to your sweetheart even for little mistakes, you’ll show your lover that you really are committed to changing and paying better attention to their feelings!

Saying “I’m sorry” even if you don’t mean it

Does everyone who says “I’m sorry” really mean it every time? Of course not! But one of the secrets to building a successful romance is putting the feelings of your sweetheart, and the health of your relationship, before your own pride and anger.

Saying “I’m sorry” is often all that’s necessary to defuse an argument and set the path to reconciliation. And yes, sometimes it takes a strong person to make a relationship the number one priority and be the first to apologize . . . even when they don’t mean it.

Are you prepared to be that strong person who swallows pride and puts the relationship first? Saying you’re sorry can be a very difficult thing to do, but the rewards that could come your way make it worth the effort.