How to Apologize to a Man
When you're in a relationship that you want to keep going, some situations require that you swallow your pride and apologize. Doing this is easier said than done, especially when it comes to approaching a man to apologize for any reason.
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Instructions
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Plan your approach. Mapping out what you are going to say beforehand will make it easier when the time comes.
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Talk straight. Men usually like direct, plain language. This is not the time to use a lot of metaphors, similes or excessive verbiage. Make your apology straight, to the point and concise.
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Own up to the mistake. Most men will respect this approach, since they prefer to face conflict head-on and are predisposed to airing out dirty laundry quickly. (Don't mistake this willingness to resolve issues quickly with a willingness to actually communicate, however.)
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Don't point out the man's faults or failings during your apology, or suggest that he is actually in the wrong. The great majority of men are ego-driven during situations of conflict, so pointing out his wrongdoing will not help if you are truly trying to resolve the issue. Otherwise you risk making him defensive and reopening the argument (or his newly healing wounds).
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Submerge the urge to overreact or make a big deal out of the situation when approaching the man. Overreacting will make him feel uncomfortable. Men are more likely to brush the situation off as a rogue occurrence if it is treated as if it weren't a big mistake. Blowing the situation out of proportion may cause your guy to feel as if the hurt was deeper than he suspected, serving only to culture deeper resentment.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to offer your apology in front of others, as this will serve to stroke any man's ego.
Don't approach a man to apologize when he is distracted or busy.
- Photo Credit fakhar
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Comments
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Once again, a woman trying to talk about what men want and need. Most of the claims about men's ways apply to women too, or are simply stereotypes of men. I use simile/metaphor/analogies all the time when discussing matters of the heart. Don't assume men are unsophisticated, because that's insulting. I agree you should definitely be brief but sometimes an analogy is a good way to frame a situation quickly and intuitively. As for the post-text tips: true, don't interrupt a man for ANYTHING that can wait while he's busy or engrossed in something else. But for god's sake, do NOT bring up your interpersonal disputes in front of friends! This suggestion about apologizing in front of people could anger a guy and embarrass him severely! Guys tend to be private about their personal business. If your guy needs to have his ego stroked then sexual favors and sincere compliments about his best assets work wonders. Can't go wrong.
