DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve encountered a lot of fuss about the pervasiveness of the nonapology: e.g., “I’m sorry you’re so sensitive” or “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

But what is one to say to acknowledge another’s injury, while reinforcing that you are NOT sorry and fully stand by your actions? Particularly in a social setting in which silence is not an option?

I planned an outing for club members and their families to a sporting event in a nearby city. Members could buy tickets, and each person shared equally the cost of the bus trip. After the trip was finalized, one member, who had bought five tickets, informed me via text that she had a conflict and that I would need to hold the bus for 30 minutes.

I replied that this would be impossible because of the precise times in the bus contr

See Full Page