How to Correctly Apologize to Someone

Apologies are always hard to make. They require individuals to swallow their pride and admit their mistakes. This can be hard to do for individuals who are not particularly sentimental. Apologies are important to render because they help put an end to grudges and bad blood between people. If you are an individual that has a difficult time apologizing to others you should take a look below at the simple steps on how to correctly apologize to someone.

1. Approach the person with a kind tone. Ask the person if they have a minute to talk with you. If they are busy at the moment then you should suggest that you will come back later when they are not as busy. It is important to have the person's full attention when apologizing.

2. Admit your wrong doing and why you acted in the manner you did. If you are not sure what you did wrong then you should ask the person what you did to offend him/her. If you know what you did wrong then you should start off by stating your wrong doing. Make sure that you use the key words "I know." For example you could say to the person, "I know that my actions have hurt you -- " and then you should go on to apologize for your behavior. Using the words I know shows that you understand and have empathy for hurting that person.

3. Offer consolation. If you have damaged something or spoiled someone's plans then offer to make up for the incident. Maybe you insulted a loved one over a nice family dinner if so then you could offer to take that loved one out to a nice dinner to make up for the ruined one. If you have damaged someone's property you can offer to fix it or replace it. When you offer someone consolation you show that you care and that you are a mature responsible being.

4. Allow the person to talk and express their feelings. This will mean that you will have to take the berating. You will have to face the truth. The truth might be tough to hear but it is important to let the person release these feelings. When you allow the person to speak it shows them that you are sincere.

5. Tell the person that you will not do it again. This is the second to last step in apologizing that helps to "seal the wound." You have to tell the person that you will try your best not to do (whatever it is that you did) again. This will signal to the person that you really understand how they feel and that you respect their feelings.

6. Kiss and make up. This is the final step. You do not really have to kiss the person but after apologizing you should kindly part ways or hug or shake hands. You want to patch things up and let bygones be bygones. When the two of you walk away you should feel a sense of relief. You should still be on speaking terms.