When might you need to say sorry?
When we say sorry, it’s usually because we’ve done something wrong and want to make things right. This could be for many reasons.
Here are a few reasons for sending an apology:
- Not doing something you said you would.
- Forgetting something important.
- Saying something you regret.
- After an argument.
- Making a mistake that negatively impacts someone as a result.
However, sometimes it’s not about you doing something wrong. It can be a way to share sympathies when someone has lost a loved one, or a colleague is leaving work.
Apologising is a powerful trait. Taking ownership (and doing it authentically) lets you mend relationships, build empathy, and create trust. Send an apology letter, sorry card, or even an email and rebuild those bridges you might have burnt.
How to say sorry in 5 simple steps.
Learning how to say sorry isn’t rocket science, but it doesn’t always feel easy. Often, we can be resistant to apologising – whether due to our reluctance to admit mistakes, or the judgements we think people will make. Whatever the hesitation, it can often be the first hurdle to get over before starting your apology.
1. Use the word sorry.
“My bad”, “I regret”, “It’s unfortunate, but…” all these terms seem ungenuine, and usually the best way to say sorry to just say it. The word. No caveats, no extras. Simply, sorry.
2. Explain what you are saying sorry for.
Don’t dance around things – be clear and say what you’re apologizing for. If you’re saying sorry for stealing the last piece of your roommate’s chocolate, you better say it.
3. Take ownership of the situation – no excuses.
“Sorry you feel that way, but I didn’t realise…” or “I regret we fell out, but I was stressed…” aren’t real apologies. Don’t give excuses, take ownership of the issues and be direct.
4. Outline how it won’t happen again.
Once you’ve defined what you’re apologising for, you can clearly state what steps you’ll take to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Remember, learning how to say sorry means trying to avoid the issue happening again. If you don’t have a solution, things may just repeat themselves.
5. Suggest a way to make amends.
Sometimes, you might need to make amends. This could be something as simple as “I’ll repair the vase” or “I won’t mention that again.” Trying to fix what’s broken is a good way to make good on an apology. This helps give you both closure and allows you to move on from the issue.
