Trust is not rebuilt through words alone. It's rebuilt through consistent, honest actions over time. When someone has broken trust, they need to understand what accountability truly means.
Real accountability includes: acknowledging the harm caused, taking full responsibility without making excuses, expressing genuine remorse, making amends where possible, and committing to changed behavior.
An apology says "I'm sorry." Accountability says "I understand what I did, why it was wrong, and here's how I'm changing." One is words. The other is transformation.
Healing is not a quick process. Those who have been hurt need to see consistent proof of change. This requires patience from the person seeking reconciliation and openness from those who were wronged.
When accountability is genuine and sustained, something remarkable happens. The family relationships that emerge are often deeper and more authentic than they were before.