How to Apologize for a Drunk Text

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you woke up to discover that "drunk you" texted the absolute worst person possible (maybe your ex), you're not alone. It can be super embarrassing to wake up to a bunch of texts that you absolutely don't remember sending, but try not to beat yourself up over it. What feels cringe-worthy now may become a funny story down the line, but right now, you're probably looking for the perfect text to undo what happened. This article has everything you need to know about recovering from a drunk text and apologizing.

1

"I'm so sorry. I had too much to drink last night!"

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you sent a harmless late-night text (maybe one with a winky face or some misspellings), your best bet is to just tell the truth. First, sober up with some water and breakfast. Then, go ahead and let the person know that you had a few too many drinks the night before and are sorry for texting them. Many, many people have sent a drunk text in their lifetime, so the person you texted will probably understand. [1]
    • "I had a few too many last night. I'm really sorry 😬"
    • Sobering up before you send your apology text can help you approach the situation with a clear head.
    2. Advertisement
2

"I clearly can't handle my tequila. Sorry about that!"

PDF download Download Article
  1. If all you sent was some ill-advised emojis (and no drunken tirades), then the recipient might've thought it was a little funny. Send a joke to acknowledge the humor in the situation along with an apology. The person you texted will likely understand and respect that you're able to laugh at yourself.
    • "Someone had too many Manhattans last night! I'm sorry if I woke you up..."
3

"Well, I'm embarrassed...sorry about my texts last night."

PDF download Download Article
  1. You sent a drunk text and you're feeling a little vulnerable; it happens! First, re-read the text to see if it's really that bad. Even if it wasn't your proudest moment, it's likely that this person will let it go if you apologize and own up to your feelings. Text the person that you're feeling a little embarrassed and that you're sorry. They'll likely respect your honesty. [2]
    • "Oh no, I'm so embarrassed. Sorry about this!"
    2. Advertisement
4

"OMG my friend stole my phone last night. So sorry about that text!"

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you perhaps texted someone you just started seeing and need to do damage control, you might consider fibbing a little to save face. Sure, it's not usually a good idea to lie, but it might be your best bet if you don't know this person well (and want to keep getting to know them).
    • "Oh no, I forgot my phone in an Uber last night and this happened. Sorry about that!"
    • Keep in mind that this person may be able to tell that you're lying.
5

"I should not have sent this. I'm sorry."

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes, drinking can make you feel weepier, lonelier, and more nostalgic than sober you. You might wake up to realize that you're actually happy without your ex, but have to fix the situation now that you're sober. If you don't want them to get the wrong impression, let them know that the text was a mistake and that you're sorry.
    • "I was drinking last night and I sent this text by mistake. My apologies!"
    2. Advertisement
6

"I'm sorry about drunk texting you last night. I've been meaning to reach out, but not like that!"

PDF download Download Article
  1. Perhaps you texted your middle school BFF or an ex you've been meaning to reconnect with. If that's the case, apologize but let them know that you've been thinking of them. Try to only contact them when you're sober going forward, and be realistic about your expectations if you were hoping this text would rekindle an old romance or friendship.
    • "I'm so sorry about last night. How have you been?"
7

"I'm really sorry. I can delete your number so that doesn't happen again."

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you recently broke up with your ex or are in the middle of a no-contact period, try letting them know that you won't contact them in the future. This can help the two of you move on and avoid giving your ex false hope if they liked hearing from you. [3]
    • "I'm sorry, I had a lot to drink last night. I promise this won't happen in the future."
    2. Advertisement
8

"I am so sorry for what I said last night. I was drunk, but that's no excuse."

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you said some things you don't stand by now that you're sober, text that person a genuine apology. Let them know that you were drunk (but avoid using that as an excuse) and own up to your behavior. This person may be hurt, but they'll have a bigger chance of forgiving you if you take responsibility for what happened. [4]
    • "I'm really sorry about what I texted you. I had a few drinks, and I absolutely didn't mean it."
9

"Wow, I am so sorry about this. Can we meet in person sometime today? I'd like to make it up to you."

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might have sent a really hurtful message or something that requires a little more explanation. If that's the case, apologize and ask the person if they would be available to meet in person. Making the effort to apologize face-to-face might help the situation and let this person know that you're genuine. [5]
    • "I can't believe I sent this to you. I'm so sorry. Would you be free to meet sometime today so we can talk about it?"
    • You might also try calling them to apologize.
    2. Advertisement
10

Send nothing and pretend it never happened.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Perhaps you texted a friend you're no longer speaking to or an ex you're on super bad terms with. In that case, you might try your best to forget about it and move forward. Sending a follow-up text might make the situation worse, even. Make a promise to yourself to avoid drunk texting again, delete this person's number, and consider blocking them if you're concerned about their reply.
11

Forgive yourself and move on.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many people before you have sent a drunk text. It can be really embarrassing in the moment, but try not to be too hard on yourself. Take the steps you need to feel better (own up to it, apologize, delete their number, etc.) and then move forward. Sending multiple apology texts in a row or replaying what you said over and over again will only make the situation worse. [6]
    • Call up a friend for some advice and reassurance. They can help you remember that everyone makes mistakes, and you might even laugh about this down the line.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you stop yourself from drunk texting?
    Brett Baughman
    Life Coach
    Brett Baughman is a Business & Life Coach, as well as the Founder of The Brett Baughman Companies, Inc., and the renowned Action Mastery retreats. With over 20 years of experience, his specialty is helping high-performing executives and entrepreneurs to advance to the next level of success. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and was mentored by Tad James. During his work at the Tad James Company, he earned his certifications as a Master NLP Coach (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a Certified Master Hypnotherapist, an NLP Trainer & Master Practitioner, and a Time Line Therapy Trainer & Master Practitioner. He’s also been voted the Top Coach to work with by Apple News.
    Brett Baughman
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Remove any numbers that you're prone to drunk text from your contacts list. Put them in an email or store them in a note on your phone—that way, you still have their contact info, but they're less accessible.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Should you apologize after drunk texting?
    Brett Baughman
    Life Coach
    Brett Baughman is a Business & Life Coach, as well as the Founder of The Brett Baughman Companies, Inc., and the renowned Action Mastery retreats. With over 20 years of experience, his specialty is helping high-performing executives and entrepreneurs to advance to the next level of success. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and was mentored by Tad James. During his work at the Tad James Company, he earned his certifications as a Master NLP Coach (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a Certified Master Hypnotherapist, an NLP Trainer & Master Practitioner, and a Time Line Therapy Trainer & Master Practitioner. He’s also been voted the Top Coach to work with by Apple News.
    Brett Baughman
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely! The worst thing we can do is lie, hide, or stress out about the outcome. If your relationship with that person is supposed to happen, it will happen and the person will understand and forgive you. If not, you'll know very quickly that it's time to move on.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You might consider blocking or deleting numbers that you really don't want to drunk text if you're worried that this will happen again.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Know if Your Friend Is Jealous of You
      What to Do If a Friend Won’t Talk to You
      How to
      Know if Your Friend No Longer Likes You
      How to
      Cope With Having No Friends
      What Are the Signs That Someone Doesn’t Want to Be Your Friend?
      How to
      Politely Ask Someone for the Money They Owe You
      How to
      End a Toxic Friendship over Text
      An Expert Guide to Staying Friends with a Girl After Rejection
      How to
      Know if You Like Your Friend Romantically
      What to Do When Your Close Friends Are Upset with You
      How to
      Know if You're Lovers or Just Friends (And What's the Difference?)
      How to
      Deal with Friends Who Invite Themselves over Without Asking
      How to
      Deal With Mixed Signals
      How to
      Know If Your Friends Are Using You
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about drunk texting, check out our in-depth interview with Brett Baughman .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/sent-a-stupid-text-fix
      2. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/sent-a-stupid-text-fix
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/having-sex-wanting-intimacy/201612/4-reasons-end-contact-your-ex
      4. ↑ https://www.thecabinsydney.com.au/blog/alcohol-addiction-treatment/drunken-mistake-recovery-guide/
      5. ↑ https://www.thecabinsydney.com.au/blog/alcohol-addiction-treatment/drunken-mistake-recovery-guide/
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-do-you-forgive-yourself

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 83,138 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement