How to Apologize & Save Face
Apologizing for something you did wrong can be a challenge, especially for those stubborn at heart. Sometimes apologizing is the only way to save face in a situation. The art of the apology is conveying the right message and making it sincere. Take the time to really think about what you're apologizing for and whether there is a solution. Apologizing to save a relationship or save face is a process well worth thinking through before executing.
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Instructions
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Know why you are apologizing. This is a crucial step for the apology-forming process. Knowing why you are apologizing and why you are wrong will help build the sincerity of your apology. Sincerity is the key when saying you are sorry. Be prepared with a suggestion for resolution or restitution for your actions.
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Prepare to meet in person. Apologizing in person is a method of displaying your sincerity. By meeting in person, you are showing that you can look the other person in the eye sincerely and apologize. It is more formal and will convey your message better than a phone call or an email. Meet in a public area, or somewhere that the person you are apologizing to will be comfortable. This is not about you, it is about the other person.
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Time it. Waiting too long to apologize can be a detriment to the sincerity of your apology. Putting off apologizing will give the other person time to dismiss you from his life and etch the reason he is mad at you into his memory forever. Apologizing too quickly can also work against you if this is not the first time you have apologized to this person. Sometimes saying you are sorry right away looks like a knee-jerk, possibly insincere gesture.
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Apologize. When the timing is right, and you are meeting the person face to face, it is time to apologize. Start out explaining why the issue is your fault and why you are apologizing. Close with a resolution to your actions, or some sort of restitution. Allow the other person her say and do not interrupt.
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Accept that sometimes an apology will not be enough. In this instance, your apology may have helped save face, but sometimes pain is permanent or forgiveness not forthcoming.
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