Top Ten Ways to Apologize

An apology can mend a broken heart. It can help two people repair a broken relationship. It can get two business partners back working together. This article will show you ten ways to apologize.

1. Say you're sorry. This is often hard to do, but can be the most effective way of apologizing. Own up to what you did wrong. Come straight out and say it.

2. Write an apology note. Although saying you're sorry directly can often be the best way to go, sometimes a note can also be meaningful. This works especially well if you have two shy people who don't really appreciate confrontation.

3. Do something genuinely nice for the person you wronged. For instance, you might mow their lawn if they can't do it themselves, or you might go grocery shopping for someone elderly who has trouble getting out. Let them know this is your way of showing your remorse.

4. Show the person you are sorry. Be true and real for the next few months. Don't do anything that would offend the person. Over time, they will see the effort you are making to repair the relationship.

5. Ask for their forgiveness. You could say, "Can you forgive me," for whatever you did wrong. Sometimes asking can be even more effective, because then you will know if the other person accepts the apology.

6. Give up something for the other person. For example, if you have a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, let them have it to show you are apologizing.

7. Mend the wrong. If you broke up with someone, undo it. If you took something from the other person, give it back.

8. Write a poem or song to the other person. This will really let someone know you're sorry, especially if you read it to them or sing the song to them!

9. Give the person some time and space, and then talk to them about why you did what you did and why you know you were wrong.

10. Send a simple text or facebook message telling the person you're sorry. Hey, it's not the most sincere way to apologize, but it still gets the point across!