Everyone messes up. Here’s how to say you’re sorry.

It’s easy to give a bad apology. Here’s how to give a good one.

https://www.vox.com/even-better/23622442/saying-sorry-apologize

The six (and a half) components of a good apology

“According to Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, the authors of the book Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies, successful apologies contain six (and a half) components:

1. Say you’re sorry or that you apologize. Actually use the words “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.”
2. Name or specify the infraction you’re apologizing for.
3. Show you understand why your actions were harmful and hurtful, and the effect it had on the other person.
4. Don’t make excuses, but offer an explanation if needed.
5. Say what you are doing to ensure this situation won’t happen again.
6. Offer to fix what’s broken — whether that’s buying your aunt a new lamp you knocked off a table at Thanksgiving or offering to spend more time with a friend who feels neglected.

The half-step is to listen to the person or people (these steps work regardless if you’re apologizing to one person or a group) you’ve wronged. This is about their experience and emotions, not yours.”