It happened – you did something wrong, and you understand you need to bring an apology, but you have no idea how to do it. We get how difficult it always is. You have to find the inner strength and bring down your pride – you just have to say it. If you wish to find out how to apologize properly and stay friends with the person offended by you, then keep on reading!
1. Express Remorse
Saying sorry is obligatory. You can talk for hours, but if you do not say the sacred word, it would be in vain. After you say: “I apologize,” you need to express remorse, namely explain what you have done wrong and how you feel about that now. Your words have to be sincere and authentic, otherwise, your speech would be pointless. If the person feels you are speaking to him/her only because you have to, but you do not feel like doing it, s/he would never forgive you. You have to undergo the situation and speak with all your heart. A good example is: “I am sorry I embarrassed you yesterday. I feel ashamed I behaved that low.”
2. Admit Responsibility
You have to show you understand the responsibility you had taken when you said those words or did those actions. You need to emphasize the offended person and explain that you understand how you made him/her feel. To say it sincerely, simply put yourself in that person’s shoes and try to live the situation again – how would it make you feel? If you really feel bad, share your feelings with the offended person – s/he would appreciate it. A good example would be: “I am really sorry that I embarrassed you yesterday in front of the whole office. I know how it feels to be exposed to the crowd in such a manner, and I feel really bad about what I did.”
3. Make Amends
Now that you made it clear how sorry you are, it is time for you to offer something to reclaim a fault. You have to offer something you can do for him/her, but it has to be really done in the future, that is why think twice before promising anything. Empty promises can bring even more harm, that is why you have to be really careful when saying them. A good example would be: “I realize that I was wrong when I said that you are no good in creating the text for the website. Tomorrow, I am going to admit my guilt publicly and say that you will handle the task amazingly. Will it work for you?”
4. Promise that It Will Never Repeat Again
You have to explain to the offended person that it will never repeat again. The person needs to be confident that your words are not empty, and once s/he forgives you, s/he will not have to go through this again. The important thing here is to sound convincing – you need to persuade the person in the seriousness of your motives to get over this conflict and live in peace with him/her. A good example here would be: “From now on, I will think twice before saying something. I will manage my stress and will never snap at you again. I feel really sorry this situation took place.”
5. Stick to Your Word
The most difficult part is not to lose the rebuilt trust. You have to stick to what you said and really control what you are doing and think about other people’s feelings. Because the situation takes place again, no one will ever accept your apology and you will win the fame of a mean person who cannot control your emotions. You might not lose respect, but you will lose the positive attitude from the environment you are in.
The last piece of advice for those who cannot say the words of apology is to write an apology letter. Yes, it is a hundred times worse than live communication, but it is at least something. To write is easier than to say, that is why to write down everything you feel and give it to the offended person.
Check this list of positive words for inspiration.
Joshua Robinson is a freelance writer who works for Edu Birdie since 2011. He graduated from the Dudley College of Technology where he did his Media course. Such qualifications allowed him to write papers on various topics and become the favorite of the clients. Six years experience of working as a writer broadened his horizons considerably, and he really enjoys doing what he does.
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