How to Get Someone to Accept Your Apology

The more sincere your apology is, the more likely the person in question is to accept it.

Knowing that you've made a mistake or disappointed someone indicates that you possess a degree of maturity. Apologizing to people you care about is simply a fact of life. In human relationships, your friends and loved ones are going to hurt your feelings at some point, and you're going to hurt theirs. While you can't force someone to accept your apology, the more effective an apology you make, the more likely the person in question is to accept it.

Things You'll Need

• Gift or trinket

Instructions

1. Start your apology with the words, "I'm sorry for ...," and state what you did wrong --- for example, if you're late to pick someone up, broke a promise, forgot a birthday or whatever the issue is. For example, "I'm sorry for forgetting our wedding anniversary" is an appropriate start.

2. Start your next sentence with the words, "You must be disappointed/hurt/upset and it was not my intention to hurt/disappoint/upset you or cause you pain." This will validate the feelings of the person you're talking to.

3. Make a promise about the future that asserts you will not make this mistake again. For example, you could say something to the effect of, "I promise I will never wear your clothes without your permission again."

4. Perform a kind or considerate act or gesture to make it up to the person. This will help assert our sincerity and make this person feel better. For example, taking her out to dinner or a movie, or buying her a small trinket or flowers is a proper choice.

References

• "Instant Persuasion: How to Change Your Words to Change Your Life"; Laurie Puhn; 2006