Send An Apology That Works

It is not uncommon to see people struggling with apologies. It is perhaps too much for many of us to take the responsibility for an action of ours that has caused a disturbance for someone else.

Over a period of time, the simple act of apologizing has become a part of our mannerisms. We use apologies to dissociate ourselves from feelings of guilt. With our insincere apologies, we fail to convey our regret, therefore completely mitigating the effect that a thoughtful apology should have on the receiving person. These days, no one really takes an apology seriously. It has become another way to get rid of someone.

Relationships require a lot of sincere, heartfelt apologies. The reason is that whenever you have the slightest of falling out with your partner, it’s not entirely their fault. Each has something to contribute to this disturbance in the relationship and no matter how miniscule the responsibility be, acknowledging it makes the relationship stronger. If you are emotionally mature and keep your ego out of your relationship, you will realize that by apologizing, you are only becoming a better person and a better partner. You do not lose anything but gain the respect of your partner.

Take the initiative to apologize and do it as soon as possible so that you avoid the unpleasantness associated with the disturbance. When you make a sincere apology, your genuine efforts to resolve a problem can be seen.

However, when you do apologize, don’t fake it. A fake apology won’t do you any good. It will instead make your case even weaker. Your partner will most likely know that you are just apologizing to get them off your back and it will hurt them. When you do apologize, make it seem genuine by being to the point and honest. Trying to justify your actions takes from the honesty of your apology and puts the other person on guard.

An apology is essentially an acknowledgement of your fault and a silent promise that you will endeavor to change yourself so that the action that caused this discomfort is not repeated again. Honor your commitment and make a conscious effort to change your behavior.

How your apology is received depends a lot on how you give it. Your apology may cause your partner to also acknowledge their own mistake and offer you a counter apology. It might also backfire and cause your partner to break out into a violent fit. When you offer an apology and genuinely mean it, most likely it will be accepted graciously. However, if you are in the habit of offering half hearted apologies without any intent of changing your behavior to match your words, you might as well not say anything.

An apology is a powerful tool to make or break your relationship. Make sure that when you apologize, you’re sincere and you really mean it.