How to Ask for Forgiveness

Saying you're sorry can seem awfully tough, but it gets easier with practice and delivers bountiful rewards.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Apology Greeting Cards

1. Think about what happened and what it is you are sorry for doing.

2. Write down your apology; this will help you organize your thoughts and calm your nerves.

3. Practice what you plan to say until you feel comfortable with it.

4. State clearly what it is you are sorry for doing.

5. Acknowledge your actions without making excuses.

6. Share your feelings about what happened - avoid blaming, exaggerating or saying empty words.

7. Listen to the other person's response without getting defensive.

8. Offer to make amends if appropriate.

9. Move on. Once you've apologized, let it go.

Tips & Warnings

• Think of an apology as a commitment to the relationship rather than an act of weakness.

• Be honest. Only apologize for things you truly feel responsible for; don't apologize just to make an unpleasant situation go away.

• Say it in writing if a personal confrontation is just way too scary.

• Give the other person some time to sort out his or her feelings - don't be discouraged if you aren't completely forgiven the moment you apologize.