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Apologies: A How-To Guide

Ways to apologize so people know you mean it.

Katie Schwab
Jan 16, 2017
The College of Wooster
427
Apologies: A How-To Guide
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Apologies are hard. No matter what side of it you're on. It can be hard to apologize and it can definitely be hard to accept apologies. Especially those apologies that seem like they are given more to make the person apologizing feel better than they are an actual apology. So, here's a how to guide on how to apologize, sincerely.

1. Determine if you actually are sorry

Don't apologize if you aren't actually sorry about what you're apologizing for. It can be easy to feel like you have to apologize simply because the other persons feelings are hurt. However, if you aren't sincerely sorry for your actions, don't. Feel free to apologize for making the other person feel bad but never apologize for something you aren't sorry for doing.

2. Don't make the apology about yourself

If you mention yourself more than what you're apologizing for it's probably not going to come off great. If you're only apologizing to make yourself feel better, save it. If you reread the apology and it mentions you more than anything else, it's probably not going to sound sincere.

3. Keep it short

Really just say what you're sorry for and why. That's it. It can be difficult to say what you feel and also make it short but if you spend too long talking about your personal feelings about the situation it can make it seem insincere.

4. Don't be mad if you're apology isn't accepted or received well

The point to apologizing is not to make yourself feel better. The point to apologizing is not for the apology to be accepted but to simply let the person know that you are sorry. If you're apology is not well received just leave it be. Don't try to guilt the other person into accepting.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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