Q&A for How to Apologize to Your Guy Friend

We're human beings. Any two people you put in a room together long enough is going to experience some kind of conflict. It's more a matter of using the experience of conflict as an opportunity to create a stronger, more positive relationship.

Just let your friend cool down. They probably just need time.

Write a letter of apology and give it to him, it's better than texting because it shows that you actually took time to hand write it or to print it, and it helps because you don't have to say it out loud.

Just say, "I'm sorry I've been texting you so much, I realize you're annoyed and I'll do my best not to text you anymore unless it's important." Then make sure to actually follow through and stop texting him so much.

If he ignores you, he may still be pretty mad. Give him a little bit of space and time to cool off, then try showing him ways you are sorry, like playing his favorite games, watching movies, etc.

Understand that the problem is relatively minor, and understand that the problem can't go unsolved forever. The interaction was simply a miscommunication, and it's obvious that neither one of you intended to hurt the other. Simply go up to your friend at a time in which he is calm and has a few minutes, and apologize. Tell him that you didn't intend to come across as the way you did and that if need be, you will try and change those behaviors in the future. If he's a true friend, he'll accept your apology and move on, and if he doesn't, then that means he may not be worth getting anxious over.

You should tell your friend, politely, that it's not really any of his business who you choose to date. But if you said something you regret during the argument, just apologize for that. Say something like, "I'm really sorry I said [whatever you said]. I was upset, but I still shouldn't have said it. I do respect your opinion and I value our friendship, but my relationships are my own private business."

Give him some space for a while. Try to understand where he is coming from. Then go back and apologize sincerely.

That definitely calls for an apology! Just say something like, "Sorry I said that about your mom. There's no excuse, and I feel horrible." Then tell him it will never happen again, and stick to that promise!

Do what he asks. The more you poke and prod someone, the more they'll push you away. Just be there, be supportive and let him know that you're there if and when he needs you. Everyone complains, it's part of being human but perhaps try and keep your thoughts to yourself around him.

Talk to him in person, and tell him that it was just a thought, and you're sorry if you offended him or upset him. If he doesn't want to talk to you, just give him some space for now. You'll only make him more upset or annoyed if you keep pushing the issue.

Just because he says you're a complainer doesn't mean you are. It only means he feels that way, and whatever feeling anyone else has is their business, not yours. As to what to do, if you haven't already, first leave him alone for a good long while; I'd say two weeks. Then let him know you'd like to talk about what happened, apologize if you did something, but only apologize once. But if he doesn't want to talk, it's over, sad as that may be.

If you've already apologized and he's still upset, give him some time and space. He might change his mind and decide to be your friend again after all. If he doesn't, there's not much you can do about it. It's ultimately his choice who he does and doesn't want to be friends with.

If you're too shy to apologize in person, send him a note or give him a phone call. It's okay if you are too shy, but try to make it obvious that you're sorry. Make eye contact with him, send him little notes saying nice things. It may take him some time to understand your message. If you want to do it quickly, say it to him.