You must say sorry! that's it, period

You have to say the word. You can go acrobatic to show someone your sorry but it's not just good enough without the "sorry" word. On the other hand I'd consider it a consolation when someone says sorry regardless whether they mean it or not rather than not apologizing at all.

I prefer to hear the words. Why? because I do not read body languages that well. If a person can not say they are sorry. In my opinion, they really aren't. As I have cases where I thought someone was by their actions. but later they will say that they never said they were sorry for what they did. So now I do not assume they are sorry til I hear the words. Body actions to me mean they feel guilty for what they have done. But that doesn't mean they are sorry for doing it.

"Sorry", is starting to be a word that has NO meaning. People says it weather they mean it or not. Too many times, during a fight with a parent or even my boyfriend, I've said sorry. Now, as of the last year of my life, I dont say it UNLESS I mean it. That alone gets me into trouble. But my boyfriend on the other hand, says it EVERYTIME we fight. Ive noticed three different ways he says it and how its meant. 1) I am soo sorry I am not good enough for you OR I am soo sorry that i always cause you pain, maybe I shouldnt be here. This is a guilt trip when I wont back down. 2) I am sorry. Thats it. Thats all he says to me, at times. 3) Instead of just saying "Im sorry", he actually puts forth effort to show he feels bad about whatever it was that he is saying sorry for. Rather its writing a love note, cuddling up to me, or taking me aside and just bursting out in tears, he really means it. Sometimes actions speak louder than words alone.