How to Apologize

Ugh. Fighting is just the worst. What sucks even more than that? Having to say you're sorry. We all have to do it at least once in our lives. Probably once a month if you're average. Here's how to do it the right way.

Say it and Mean it - Your apology should be a true statement of your regret should come from your heart. Acknowledge your part in it, admit your feelings were wrong and the damage you caused. Also be ready for the consequences in case the person you're apologizing to doesn't accept it, but don't hold a grudge. You did what you needed to do to try and rectify a bad situation so your conscience should be clear.

Ask for Forgiveness - When you do ask for forgiveness, it's important to be fully willing to accept responsibility for what happened. You also need to ask what you can do to make sure the situation that caused the issue doesn't happen again. Then make sure it doesn't happen again.

Learn Your Lesson - Try and figure out what you can take away from what happened. Was something pointed out by someone during the argument that you weren't aware of? Look at it as a teachable moment.

Be Aware of Your Actions - Use your future actions to really communicate to that person that whatever caused the problems won't ever happen again. The only way someone can really trust that whatever happened before isn't going to happen down the road. Actions speak louder than words.

Don't Say "I'm sorry, but..." - You apologizing to someone is about you and your actions. Don't try and throw the blame back at someone else. A true apology is one that is made by you for what you did.

Most of all remember that we all make mistakes, forgive yourself then ask to be forgiven and it's not what you say, but it's how you say it.