Q&A for How to Say You're Sorry

Give the person time. It's better to leave them be until they're willing to accept your apology, because if you don't it could create more problems.

Tell them you're sorry for being selfish, and that you'll do your best to be more generous and caring in the future. If they don't forgive you right away, just give them some time. Then do your best to actually refrain from being selfish. Actions speak louder than words!

The best way is to apologize in person. Saying you're sorry in a note can come across as insincere. It's awkward and uncomfortable to have to face the person, but it's one of the consequences of wronging someone else (and a good incentive not to do so in the future).

If you didn't do anything, then there's nothing you can actually be blamed for. Tell the friend accusing you that you had no role in it; if the friend refuses to believe the truth, there's nothing you can (or should) do.

Give them some time. Once your friend starts talking to you again, apologize once more and then move on.

Bring flowers or another small gift, and tell her you're sorry for behaving irresponsibly and that it will never happen again.

Try to go into the conversation without the expectation that she will apologize. Even though she is your mother, be the bigger person. Say you're sorry for being mean and tell her it won't happen again. Most likely, she'll apologize too.

Assure them that it is genuine, and if they're still upset, give them some time to cool off. Then apologize again.

Apologize to him, and wait for his response. If he is still hurt or doesn't accept the apology, give him some time, and consult your best friend. Perhaps your friend can help you apologize, or let them know that it was genuine.

Depending on the situation, you may need to prove that you're truly sorry. For example: if you didn't do the dishes and it was your turn, then get up and do the dishes. If you said sorry before all that then don't say sorry again after. Wait till they see your act of apology, as actions speak louder than words.

Give her a while to cool down first. After that, bring her a personal gift (it doesn't have to be big) and write a sincere card to accompany it. Remember to keep your cool when giving it to her and apologizing. Also, don't expect an automatic thank you or acceptance of the apology. It may take her some time to forgive you and you'll need to keep being understanding and caring until she comes around.

Try to realize your actions and how you affect others around you. If they are reacting sadly or negatively to things you say or do, it is possible you're being a bit mean. You can try to fix that, for example: apologize, find things that make you more calm and composed, and always remember there are more and better ways that will help you to be less mean (if you don't have something nice to say just don't say it at all). However, don't confuse being assertive and setting boundaries with being mean: lazy, incompetent and selfish people will often react poorly to being told no.

If it was an accident, then try to explain that it was an accident and that you are deeply sorry. Keep your cool and wait till she is calm. When she is calm, try giving her a "creation" or replica of the item that you lost or offer to replace the original item as best you can. If it was an heirloom, offer to call around family members to see if there is something similar you could giver her. Then give her a little while till she is okay. In the meantime, try looking for that item you lost.

Don't wait for them to come to you. Talk to them! If they continue to leave you out, ask them what's up, but make sure not to come on too strong. Communication is always helpful in friendships.

Try and make an "appointment" or a lunch date or something with them on a day or time that works best for them. You could let them know that you 'need to talk' and that it's important. Also realize they might be purposefully not making the time to avoid your apology, so be persistent.

Give them more time, don't push it. Depending on the situation she/he was part of this incident. Give them something that reminds them of a old joke or something to reminisce on.

Remind yourself that this person underneath all their terribleness has gone through some very hard times in their life to make them like that. Apologizing is showing them kindness and being the better person by making up for what you did wrong.