Q&A for How to Apologize to a Friend

If you have done something where you genuinely feel like you need to apologize, you have to be able to tolerate the other person's hurt for however long it takes for the other person to get over it. The amount of hurt and pain someone can cause another person is subjective and very massive. If you can do that, hopefully you can come out on the other side and build an even stronger relationship.

I think the most important part of apologizing is being genuine and being able to tolerate the other person's wave of hurt coming your way, whatever that may look like. Let them get that out and continue to stay apologetic. Try to really listen and understand where they're coming from.

It depends on how terrible the action is. If it's minor, then there's no reason why they shouldn't forgive you in the next day or two. However, if you made a major mistake, then it isn't likely that the person you hurt is going to forgive you soon. It takes time. Just say you're sorry sincerely and tell them you hope that will find it in their heart to forgive you.

If you're close, of course. A hug is a great way to show that you're sorry. However, if things seem weird or awkward it may be best to wait.

Find a time when it's appropriate to pull them aside and speak to them privately. Don't do it during class or in front of a large group. Apologize for whatever you did wrong and tell them you hope they can forgive you and still be your friend.

Take responsibility. It can be really hard to apologize, but doesn't your friendship mean more than your pride? Make this a learning experience. Whatever you did, don't do it again. That way you won't have to feel this way again.

Tell her you're sorry for what you did, and try to explain why you did it, without making excuses for yourself. Let her know that you understand why it was wrong, and tell her you hope she can forgive you. Then leave the ball in her court. I'm sure she will get over it eventually.

Try to make them understand from your point of view why it was wrong and perhaps they will apologize. Speak to them calmly and respectfully, and listen to what they have to say as well.

You should probably just give it time. If they decide to unblock you, talk to them. But if they don't, you'll just have to respect the fact that they don't want to be friends anymore.

There's nothing wrong with having a crush. If your friend likes the same boy, just tell her that your friendship is very important to you and you don't want anyone to come between the two of you.

Clarify the situation to your friend, but also let them tell you their side of the story, and listen to them.

You could apologize with a meaningful birthday gift.

Figure out why you're fighting and try to fix the problem. Accept your own share of the blame and figure out how YOU can help improve the friendship, not just want you want HER to do. Talk everything out with her. Keep in mind, though, there will always be some people you just don't get along well with. If this friendship turns out to not be a good fit for you, try to end things amicably.

The same way you'd apologize to any other friend that you hurt. Say you're sorry for what you did and that it won't happen again in the future. Definitely do not mention the fact that you think they're overly sensitive, as that will sound like you're excusing your behavior or implying that they have no right to be upset.

Some people have been hurt in the past, and they use being mean to push others away so they don't get hurt again. Others lack empathy and don't realize they're being mean, or they simply don't care. Sometimes, however, it can be a simple misunderstanding.

It's not recommended to borrow from or loan to family or friends for this reason: because it can put a strain on our dearest relationships. Apologize to your friend that it's taken so long to pay her back, but that you do plan on doing so because your friendship with her is valuable to her; figure out a plan how you can pay the remaining money (in installments, if necessary), and share this plan with her to put her mind at ease.

Arrange for a time when you can get everyone together to talk, like before or after school, or at lunch if they're usually all sitting together. Then just tell them you're sorry for whatever you did, that it will never happen again, etc.

Until you're ready to stop repeating the mistake, your apology isn't likely to be accepted by your friend. Take measures to ensure that you won't do it again, and let your friend know what efforts you are making to keep from repeating the behavior.

It's okay if you cry. It shows that your apology is genuine. However, if you'd prefer, you can write him a note explaining why you're sorry, and perhaps even mentioning that you're writing him rather than speaking to him in person because you were afraid you would cry. I'm sure he'll understand.

If you've already apologized, there's nothing more you can do right now. Give him some space and let him think things over. He will probably eventually get over it and forgive you, but you shouldn't try to rush the process.

Well I had to do this a few weeks ago... I would say take each person separately and say a heartfelt, meaningful sorry and make sure you don't show favourtism to one particular person. Do it the same way for each of them if they don't accept, then that's not your fault, at least you said sorry. You will just have to give them time. However, some of them will likely always hold a grudge against you, it's just how some people are, so you may find some of your friendships have become quite shallow and disengaged.

Just say that it was a mistake and you weren’t thinking properly. If they don’t accept your apology then that’s their decision and there is nothing more you can do.

If you did something wrong, just approach them whenever you see them around in the neighborhood, or go up to their door, and apologize for whatever you did. Just be direct and get it over with. You'll feel a lot better knowing this isn't hanging over your head, and things won't be awkward with your friend at school.

First of all, ask if you can talk to them. If they say no, leave them alone. You don't want to do anything to further make them uncomfortable. If they say yes, say something like, "I'm very sorry for touching you inappropriately. There is no excuse for my behavior, and I assure you I'll never do this to you or anyone else ever again." Tell them you hope they can forgive you, but you understand if they want nothing to do with you in the future. Then give them some space.

Ask them, "Why do you think I'm mad at you? Did I do something wrong? Tell me, you can trust me."

If you have broken a friend's trust, it could just be something small like a crush, but if it is bigger, they may not want to forgive you yet. Tell them that you are very sorry for breaking their trust and you promise to not do it again. If you feel like they don’t want to forgive you or they said they don’t, you could leave a text or a note for them in a locker or leave it in their seat in a lesson. If they still don’t accept, give them time and then apologise again.

First let them cool down because something like that is major. You should not apologize just yet. When you feel they are ready, apologize and say "I am so sorry" and don't offer any "buts." If you're sincere, they may be able to forgive you but you may have lost their trust for a long time.

Try to tell them how they hurt you, and that it was unfair. Put them in your shoes. Let them calm down of course, and let them realize what they said was rude.

Try to tell yourself that he/she is doing better now. Ask for forgiveness, and tell yourself that you didn't mean it.

If she is avoiding you, not replying, or doing her best to stay away, then she probably is upset. Retrace your steps, and think of something you might have done or said that made her upset. Think of something you might have thought at the times was not bad, but in retrospect was a little thoughtless to say or do for a sensitive person.