FeelingGuide

Shame vs Sorry

Shame

negative emotion

Shame is a complex emotional response that arises when an individual perceives that they have failed to meet personal or societal standards, leading to feelings of worthlessness, embarrassment, and a desire to hide or escape from the situation.

Sorry

negative emotion

Sorry is an emotional response that reflects remorse, regret, or a sense of guilt for having harmed someone or for failing to meet one's own or others' expectations. It often involves a recognition of the impact of one's actions on others and an acknowledgment of the emotional pain caused.

Key Differences

AspectShameSorry
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureShame tends to be more destructive than constructive. While it can promote awareness of social norms and encourage accou...Sorry tends to be constructive when it facilitates communication and healing in relationships, allowing individuals to e...

Shame's Perspective

Shame is often confused with guilt, but they are distinct emotions. While guilt relates to feeling bad about specific actions, shame is more about feeling bad about oneself as a whole. Guilt can motivate corrective action, whereas shame may lead to avoidance and withdrawal.

Sorry's Perspective

Sorry is often confused with regret, but they represent distinct emotional experiences. Regret typically involves a longing for a different outcome and can be more self-focused, while sorry involves a recognition of harm done to others and typically includes an element of accountability. Both emotions can coexist, but the expression of sorry is more relational and geared toward reconciliation.

Explore Both