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How to Say I'm Sorry 3 Ways

Member
By missforty
User-Submitted Article
(15 Ratings)

It can be very difficult to say "I'm Sorry" when you have done something wrong or hurt someone's feelings. However, it is vital to say I'm sorry in order to repair the relationship. You can come right out and say the words, "I'm sorry" to the person, but this is not always easy as it takes some humility and can be embarrassing. Here are 3 other ways to say I'm sorry to get the point across and open the communication path again.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Humility
  • Genuine regret over mistake
  1. Step 1

    Write a letter: Writing a letter to say I'm sorry is a great way to express yourself and the recipient has the advantage of having the letter to read over and over again. If they are truly hurt, it may reach their heart to see words on paper and they will probably forgive you. In your sorry letter, you don't have to mention the mistake specifically, but nor should you deny responsibility for it. Simply state that you realize you made a mistake and that it affected the person you are apologzing to, and state that you would like to make amends and hope to never make the mistake again. You could state that you learned from the mistake and then ask for their forgiveness.

  2. Step 2

    Actions: They say that actions speak louder than words. A person who is truly sorry will change their course and now their actions will reflect their new attitude. For example, if you damaged another person's property, the best way to say I'm sorry is to take action and have the property repaired, if possible, or replaced. This action will be much more appreciated and genuine than simple words.

  3. Step 3

    Give a gift: Another way to say I'm sorry is to give the person a gift. But be care with this because you don't want to "buy" someone's forgiveness as it will not be meaningful. The gift you give to say I'm sorry should be an inexpensive but special gift that shows how much you really care about the person you have hurt. Flowers are a gift that can be used to say I'm sorry, but it is a little cliche. Why not pick your own flowers such as wildflowers and put them in a vase that you have decorated yourself. Handmade gifts will really show the recipient that you are truly sorry because you have exerted yourself in making the gift showing that you really do want your apology accepted.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be quick to say I'm sorry when you are in the wrong
  • The longer you wait to say I'm sorry, the harder it will be

Comments  

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on 11/13/2009 These are good tips. Apologizing is important and it's easier to do when there are many ways to do it. Good post.

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on 11/6/2009 Well written and pwerful...5*

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on 11/2/2009 Great article on saying sorry three ways. 5*

Malzeke said

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on 10/22/2009 Good 5* article!

kims3003 said

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on 10/22/2009 well thought out and well written. 2 thumbs up

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