What I want is not what you want. What is beneficial to you might not be beneficial to the next person – and we are, therefore, likely to step on each other’s toes snow and then. 

We often get things wrong – sometimes unintentionally. It happens, and it is part of life.

Many young people have developed a sense of self-righteousness, and have somehow managed to convince themselves that they are above other people and don’t owe an apology to anyone – even when an apology should be given. How we got here, I don’t know.

There is a sense of self-entitlement that a young person carries with them as they navigate through life – even though the youth haven’t lived long enough in this world, they seem to think that it should bow to them, and openly and freely give them what they demand. 

With this type of thinking, life has humbled many, but the generation simply doesn’t want to learn.

The reality on the ground is that we are more wrong than right in most cases – and unfortunately, not many people can see that. 

Over the centuries, wars have been fought over who is right and who is wrong, some of which could have been avoided if an honest and simple apology was given.

If one is wrong, then he/she should apologise, especially if they hurt another person. 

It’s difficult if you are the one on the receiving end of an offence; you would seek justice or an apology. It’s just how the world was meant to work.

In many cases, most of the youth’s behaviour is carved out of their environments and surroundings. 

Here, in the country, while our leaders sing songs of accountability and transparency, they rarely live up to their promises – and when they are in the wrong, they rarely apologise for it or even try to make amends. 

Not many take responsibility.

We all make mistakes and occasionally step on someone’s toes from time to time, but maybe this place would be a much better place if we learned to apologise when we are in the wrong.

Olavi Popyeinawa

Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa

Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com