I was wrong.

A funny story is told about General George Patton from his World War
II days. He once accepted an invitation to dine at a press camp in
Africa. Wine was served in canteen cups but, obviously thinking he
was served coffee, Patton poured cream into his cup. As he stirred in
sugar, Patton was warned that his cup contained red wine and not
coffee.

Now, General Patton could never, never be wrong. Without hesitating
he replied, "I know. I like my wine this way." And he drank it!
I relate this story because I see something of myself, and perhaps
most of us, here. It is difficult to admit mistakes. It is hard to admit
when we are wrong. Three of life's most difficult words to say are, "I
was wrong."

But they are also three of the most powerful words we can utter. "I
was wrong" breaks down barriers between people. It brings estranged
people together. And it creates a climate where intimacy and love
may flourish. You may be surprised at how positively many people
respond to the words, "I was wrong"!

Naturally, it is a risk. But to admit when you are wrong is not to
confess that you are a "bad" person. Simply an honest one and true
friends will appreciate you for it.

Whole and happy lives are built by people who have learned the
power of intimacy, in part, through the use of the words "I was
wrong."