How to Ask for Forgiveness From a Girlfriend

It may take more than flowers to make amends for hurtful behavior.

Asking for forgiveness can be difficult for many men, but it is worth making the effort. If you seek and receive forgiveness you might be able to salvage a relationship that would otherwise fall apart. Forgiveness will benefit not only you but your girlfriend as well, because those who forgive can free themselves of the weight of resentment. If you caused your girlfriend a great deal of pain, though, you will have to show that you have truly turned over a new leaf in order to be forgiven.

Instructions

1. Tell your girlfriend you know you have hurt her, you know what you did was wrong, and you are sorry. You may have to repeat this several times during the process of seeking forgiveness.

2. Encourage your girlfriend to tell you how she feels about the hurtful things you have done. Listen while she expresses her feelings.

3. Ask her what you can do to make things right. Listen.

4. Tell her that you are committed to not repeating the same behavior. Describe what steps you plan to take to avoid repeating the behavior in the future.

5. Ask her directly to forgive you. If she is not ready to offer forgiveness, repeat the previous steps.

References

• Psychology Today; The Forgiveness Protocol; Judith Eve Lipton, M.D; May 2011
• Georgia Psychological Association; Forgiveness -- A Path to Emotional Freedom; William F. Doverspike, Ph.D.
• Psychology Today; How To Apologize to a Woman; Sam Margulies; March 2009