Q&A for How to Apologize After Bad Behavior

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I yelled at my friend, how should I apologize?

Community Answer

Just say sorry. Go up to him/her and say: "Look, I'm sorry for yelling at you. I was just angry. Can we still be friends?" If they're still upset, give them a day or two to get over it. Hopefully then you can both move on.

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Question

I threw a tag at my friend's eye, how do I say sorry?

Community Answer

Just apologize. Don't make any excuses. If it was an accident, tell them you didn't mean it. Otherwise, promise it won't happen again.

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Question

I was the cause of fights at family parties. How should I react?

Ignatius Wasike

Community Answer

Approach the person you wronged directly in private or at a family meeting, then apologize. Moreover, do something for the person as a self-chosen punishment, such as cleaning for them or running some errands.

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Question

How can I apologize for lying?

Community Answer

Tell the truth and apologize for lying. Promise to never do it again, then keep your word to prove you have changed.

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Question

I abused my classmate; I said sorry to her many times but she didn't answer. What do I do?

Community Answer

Prove that you've changed by prioritizing her comfort over your desire to be forgiven. If it was serious enough to be called "abuse," then there is probably too much pain on her side to repair the relationship anytime soon. Respect her desire for space, and don't initiate conversations. If she talks to you, treat her with respect and compassion, and let your behavior show that you are a better person now.

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Question

I did a really bad thing in school. I broke a metal box for donation. How can I write my apology letter sincerely and nicely?

Duckmaster9

Community Answer

Make sure it is in letter format, make it sincere, and use more advanced diction. Follow the steps in this article.

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Question

My teacher got angry at me for swearing with my classmate jokingly. I apologized to her, saying, 'I'm sorry, it won't happen again". She forgave me but was still looking a bit furious. Why?

Community Answer

Your teacher chose to forgive you, but that doesn't mean her anger and indignation about your inappropriate behavior just disappears instantaneously. Usually, it takes time for such feelings to fade.

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Question

I called my husband a bad word and now he's angry at me. How do I apologize?

Community Answer

If telling him you love him and are sorry doesn't work, try making his favorite dinner. Let him know that you won't use that word again. He'll get over it.

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Question

My sister stole $40 from me and somehow I got blamed for it because I flipped out trying to get it back. Now I'm out $40 AND I'm supposed to apologize. How is this right?

Community Answer

Sometimes unfair things like this happen. You should apologize to avoid getting your parents more upset. Just say something like, "I'm sorry I overreacted." You'll only get in more trouble by trying to explain and make excuses.

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Question

I hit my best friend, and then she told her parents and now the whole family dislikes me. How can I apologize to them all without seeming desperate for forgiveness?

Community Answer

Just talk to them and apologize, but they possibly won't accept it right away. It may take time. That's the part where you have to wait and suffer your consequence, so you wont do it again.

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Question

I was making inappropriate sexual comments to a female peer. What should I do?

Community Answer

Just say something like, "I'm really sorry about making inappropriate comments to you the other day. I realize now how rude it was and what an awkward position I put you in, and it will absolutely never happen again." Then just give her some space. Let her decide if she wants to forgive you.

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Question

I've got in trouble with my teacher at school. How do I apologize to her get out of a silent lunch?

Amelia Gill

Community Answer

It depends on what you were in trouble for, if it was something you didn't mean then simply tell her that.

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Question

How do I apologize to person whose feelings I hurt through a joke about their country? (The country is also mine.)

Community Answer

Apologize. Identify what exactly you did and how you think it affected that person and ask for forgiveness.

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Question

Should I apologize to an ex-girlfriend in a letter?

Community Answer

If you have the option, it is much better to apologize in person so they can see that you're being sincere. You're much more likely to be forgiven.

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Question

Should I apologize to my MIL if she never apologized to me even though I told her she hurt my feelings?

Community Answer

No. If she owes you an apology and refuses to give it to you, then you aren't obligated to apologize to her, especially if she's the one that hurt your feelings.

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Question

A kind lady in my neighborhood offered my mother and I a lift to the bus stop, but I snapped, "Of course not!" since her son and I hate each other. I know I shouldn't have taken it out on her.

Community Answer

Go visit your neighbor and tell her you're sorry for snapping at her. Don't say anything about hating her son. Just say that you were having a bad day and you made a mistake. It happens to everyone. If you want to go the extra mile, bring her some flowers or homemade cookies.

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Question

I freaked out and thought that my dad was going to hit me, even though he wouldn't do that. I hid in my room and called my mom freaking her out. How do I apologize for all this?

Community Answer

Sit them both down and tell them you're sorry for whatever you did in the first place to make your dad so angry you were worried about being hit. Then apologize for overreacting, and if possible, explain why you were so freaked out. Your parents love you and they will want to know about your feelings. They will also forgive you.

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Question

My mom is mad at me for disregarding her instructions. What should I do?

Community Answer

Tell her you're sorry, that you made a mistake, and that it won't happen again. State clearly that you know what you did was wrong and don't try to make excuses for yourself.

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Question

I got in trouble in school for not following my teacher's directions, and now I have a conference with my teacher and parent, what do I do?

Community Answer

Just go to the conference and face the music. Apologize sincerely for what you did and promise it won't happen again in the future. Don't try to make excuses for your behavior, just admit that you were wrong.

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Question

How should I apologize for taking a joke too seriously?

Pandora “Nova” Renee

Community Answer

Tell your friend that you're sorry for taking the joke too seriously, and that you hope you can talk to him again.

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