Repeated mistakes are THIS in disguise

If someone apologizes but continues to make the same "mistake," that so-called mistake is really a conscious decision.

From cheating to raising one's hand at their partner to bilking people out of their money, if a person claims they're sorry but there's little to no change in their behavior, they're being disingenuous.

This is especially the case if they've made no efforts to curb said behavior (e.g., seeking counseling).

If a person genuinely cared, they would never risk losing you by flat-out lying about their intentions.

If anything, we'd respect them more for being honest about their inability to remain loyal or sober, and that might make us more inclined to help.

For example, it might give way to a discussion on what they feel is lacking in the relationship.

Or, they may shed light on whatever they feel is preventing them from laying off the booze.

But it's wholly dishonest to make promises when you can't keep them.

These people know deep down that they can't keep their word, yet they fail to tell you as much because they're in denial, selfish, or both.

Such false assurances undermine the trust that partners have in one another. And if a relationship is devoid of trust, it's essentially missing one of the key pillars needed to sustain it (along with communication, respect, and loyalty).

If someone is unable to be forthright, they have no business entering into a romantic relationship. And when it comes to friendships, being sincere is no less imperative.

Far too many people fall back on second and third chances. They try to exploit the other person's kind, forgiving nature in order to carry on with the behavior.

Then, when the other person has finally had enough, they break out the tired "mistake" excuse.

Fool me once -- shame on you. Fool me twice -- shame on me.

If you're subject to this behavior in your relationship or friendship, you deserve better. Never feel bad about calling it quits, no matter how old the relationship is.

Giving someone a chance is fine, but when they continue to let you down, it becomes pretty apparent that they have little respect for you and fail to value the relationship as you do.

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