While some are quick to say sorry, some find it hard to do. I think I am also in between both, just like you. I don't find it hard to say sorry when it's needed.
But I hate situations where two people will have a disagreement, both parties will have obvious faults, and one person will say sorry and the other person won't feel the need to. It's always very annoying, actually, but generally, owning up to your faults and apologizing makes you feel better, even if it's hard to do sometimes.
Also, I agree with you that one should not delay an apology because it gets awkward when you do, and that makes many people hesitate.
Great post, by the way.
Yes, it's true that holding on to a fault without doing what is needed to, it will only prolong the consequences of the ill-action.