I had offended a friend.

As we began discussing the situation

I initially tried explaining why I had done what I did

I was in the “wrong” in this particular instance.

Then apparently

once we had established that I would accept responsibility for one wrong

my friend started on a Laundry List of grievances that she had about me.

I defended myself against 2 or 3 more accusations

until I had the sense that my friend would not be satisfied

until I was on my knees groveling for our friendship.

Suddenly it was like something turned over in my brain

and I heard myself saying

“You know, if I thought I was as terrible as you seem to think I am

I wouldn’t have anything to do with me.”

These words surprised me as much as they did my friend.