Have you ever been in a position where you messed up or hurt someone and then don’t quite exactly know how to move on from that? Maybe you want to apologize sincerely to the person you hurt but don’t know how to or you’re too proud to show you’re sorry.
That’s quite normal. Lots of people find it difficult to apologize sincerely after they have a dispute with others. But, even when they do apologize, they just don’t seem apologetic. “(I’m) sorry” is the first go-to word we say when we want to apologize. However, those words aren’t enough or quite effective.
It’s not what you do, but how you do it, that’s important. It doesn’t matter if you’re apologizing by reading a full-page letter if you can’t show you’re really sorry. An insincere apology can have a serious impact on your relationship with that person. So, next time you have a dispute with someone, here are 7 effective ways to apologize sincerely:
- Express regret
Isn’t this the main reason you apologize, because you feel regretful? Then why not show what you really feel? Start by saying the golden apologetic words “I’m sorry!” Now, I know I said before that it’s not enough. But when you say it like you mean it that can make a whole difference in the world. So, the trick here to apologize sincerely is to say the words from deep down your heart and say it in a sincere and apologetic tone.
- Admit you’re wrong
Now, this is the part where you have to be the bigger person. Admit responsibility for your actions and behaviors, and concede what you did wrong. It’s not the end of the world when you admit that you’re wrong. Instead, this shows the other person that you’re willing to take responsibility for what you did and makes you look like a mature person.
- Make amends
Knowing how to apologize sincerely is very important, and making amendments is a very crucial part of a sincere apology. You can’t fix everything, but if there’s even a slight possibility of repairing something that you broke, you should try to give your all to fix it. That means, if you broke something precious of someone’s, see if you can replace or fix it. If you said some hurtful words, try saying some nicer things about them to create a positive atmosphere.
- Empathize with them
In this next step, you need to put yourself in other’s shoes and feel what s/he is feeling. You can sincerely apologize to others only when you fully understand how you made them feel with your words and actions. When you are more explicit in explaining your actions and behaviors and relating to the other person, your apology will come across as both sincere and effective.
Give assurance
This is another reason why you apologize; so that whatever you did to hurt or offend them won’t happen again. Now, this is a very crucial step of apologizing sincerely because this is where you convince them that you’re going to change your behavior and won’t do those things again. Thus, it helps you with rebuilding the lost trust and repairing the relationship.
- Don’t blame them
This is a very sensitive thing to do when you’re trying to apologize sincerely to someone you hurt. Most people think that when they try to show both of their mistakes, it creates a balance. But that’s not true. Instead, what it does is make the apology process even harder and worse. When you’re blaming someone, you’re basically you’re telling them that they also had some part in that. So, be smart and don’t blame when you’re sincerely apologizing.
- Ask for forgiveness
This is the part lots of people forget to do. It’s especially because they think asking for forgiveness will make them look weak and so they don’t ask for forgiveness. But, what they don’t know is when you ask for forgiveness, you give the other person a chance to respond to your request. This is the step where you know if they will make or break it. So, be genuine, ask for forgiveness, and apologize sincerely.
Also Read: 7 Easy Techniques to Reduce Stress at Workplace
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it my sincere apology or apologies?
My apology and my apologies are both correct, but they are used differently in sentences. My apologies are a way to say you’re sorry about something where as my apology is a reference to a previous apology you made.
How do you end an apology letter?
After promising to make amends, you can end your apology by saying, “From now on, I’m going to (how you plan to change your behavior) so I don’t (your offense).” Do your best to follow through with this promise, otherwise, your next apology will feel less sincere to the person you offended regardless of how sorry you feel.
How do you apologize without saying sorry?
Six ways to apologize without saying “I’m Sorry”
- It’s unfortunate that
- How sad for you that (this) happened
- I sympathize with your situation
- What a shame that
- Will you please forgive my insensitivity
- I am completely at fault here, and I apologize