I'm so sorry my love. I am extremely sorry for hurting you yesterday and want your forgiveness. I love you. I don't know what to say but to apologize for being such a jerk.
Don't just say: “I'm sorry you got hurt.” That's not owning up to your actions. Instead say: “I'm sorry I called you naïve” or “I'm sorry I shoved past you.” Be specific about your actions and why you are apologizing for your behavior. Even more importantly, don't project your actions as someone else's fault.
I'm asking for your forgiveness and I promise to do better going forward. Hey babe, I totally lost my temper last night and I'm so sorry. It doesn't justify what I said or did. I just want you to know that I know I messed up and I'm going to talk to a professional about it so it never happens again.
Express empathy.
Something as simple as "I'm sorry" will go a farther ways than you think, but it won't be enough for the more serious things. Once you've opened up the conversation like that, it's time to go into greater details as to why you are sorry and how you understand the way she's feeling.
For example, you could say: "I'm sorry that I snapped at you yesterday. I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted." Your words need to be sincere and authentic . Be honest with yourself, and with the other person, about why you want to apologize.
The best way to show that you are sorry is to accept the blame and make amends. It's important not to offer excuses or try to paint yourself in a good light. Be sincere and show that you understand the consequences of your actions by offering a solution.
A real apology has three main components: (1) it acknowledges the actions taken and resulting pain inflicted on you; (2) it provides an action plan for how s/he will right the wrong; and (3) there is an actual change in behavior proving to you that there won't be a repeat of the past.
He remembered the three R's – regret, react, reassure.
A Sincere Apology
A more engaging response might look something like this: We look into our partner's eyes and say with a sincere tone: “I really hear that I hurt you and I feel sad about that. We might add, “Is there anything more you want me to hear?” Or we might offer, “I blew it by not keeping my phone charged.
Avoid saying things like “I'm sorry you were offended” or “I'm sorry the group felt like I was out of line”. Doing this shifts the blame onto others and can really backfire as most people pick up on this type of weak apology. Casting doubt on others' experience of the situation or questioning what transpired.
Say to the person “I want to apologise for (my actions). I can see that my behaviour upset you.” “I feel embarrassed that I behaved in this way.” “I feel terrible that my actions caused you to be upset.” Take full responsibility for your actions. Resist the urge to give excuses.
So how do you apologize when you aren't wrong, or rather, if you believe you aren't wrong? Start by acknowledging how the other person feels. Like any other apology, express regret over what happened. If you're apologizing on behalf of someone on your team, don't make excuses for them.
If all else fails and you truly don't understand their situation, make sure to get across the fact that you're at least trying to process it. Work with statements like “I can't imagine what you're going through” or “I've never been in your situation, but it must be incredibly difficult.”
Statements such as “I am sorry that this happened,” or “I am sorry that you are in such pain” capture regret in a blame-free manner. Describe the event and medical response in brief, factual terms.
1. A declaration made out of selfishness. Synonym: I don't want to feel guilty anymore. I feel guilty because of what happened, and guilt isn't a good feeling. I'm saying that I'm sorry to make myself feel better, not you.