A sincere apology can also bring relief, particularly if you have guilt over your actions. An apology alone doesn't erase the hurt or make it OK, but it does establish that you know your actions or words were wrong and that you will strive harder in the future to prevent it from happening again.
A genuine apology shows that you feel sorry for your actions and want to do better. It also gives the other person a chance to process their own feelings. You've taken the first step to fix the damage.
You want to convey that you truly feel sorry and care about the person who was hurt, and promise to make amends, including by taking steps to avoid similar mishaps going forward as in the examples below.
A humble apology is one in which you admit wrongdoing—“I'm sorry I lost my temper”—showing that you're not above reflecting on your own flaws.
An apology is pretty meaningless if it seems to your partner that you will likely just end up doing the harmful behavior again. To be clear about what factors lead to your bad decision (don't make excuses, just acknowledge them) and explain how you will handle those factors differently the next time they come up.
Apologizing re-establish dignity for those you hurt: Letting the injured party know that you know it was your fault, not theirs, helps them feel better, and it helps them save face. Apologizing helps repair relationships: By getting people talking again, an apology makes them feel comfortable with each other again.
Actually use the words “I'm sorry” or “I apologize.” Name or specify the infraction you're apologizing for. Show you understand why your actions were harmful and hurtful, and the effect it had on the other person. Don't make excuses, but offer an explanation if needed.
The Takeaway Apology: "I am sorry but..."
“I am sorry, but other people thought what I said was funny.” “I'm sorry, but you started it.” “I am sorry but I just couldn't help it.” “I am sorry, but I was just speaking the truth.”
Remorse/Regret. Responsibility/Recognize. Restitution/Repair/Redress.
A clear "I'm sorry" statement. An expression of regret for what happened. An acknowledgment that social norms or expectations were violated. An empathy statement acknowledging the full impact of our actions on the other person. A request for forgiveness.
He remembered the three R's – regret, react, reassure.
What Is A Gaslight Apology? A gaslight apology is an apology given that often appears sincere but the person is actually not taking any responsibility for what they have caused.
To truly heal a relationship, it is powerful for people to exchange apologies. Each person acknowledges their responsibility, they reach a shared definition of the harmful behaviors committed by each one, they are both truly sorry, and they create a plan to avoid future misunderstandings.
Synonyms of sorry (adj.
apologetic. contrite. remorseful. regretful. touched.
The best way to show that you are sorry is to accept the blame and make amends. It's important not to offer excuses or try to paint yourself in a good light. Be sincere and show that you understand the consequences of your actions by offering a solution.
Be authentic and humble, and don't apologize with an ulterior motive. Don't follow an apology with an accusation of how the other person's behavior contributed to this or another problem in your relationship. Doing so would be using your apology as leverage and would be seen as less than genuine. Make amends.
In addition to improving relationships, it can restore dignity and self-worth, both to the giver and receiver. Our ability to admit being wrong is a mirror of our character. Someone who is strong and has self-confidence can apologize more easily than someone who is insecure or has an inferiority complex.