What is the most sincere apology?

Asked by: Carlie Harber  |  Last update: April 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (66 votes)

An effective apology both acknowledges responsibility and expresses remorse. Statements such as "I am very sorry," "How can I make up for this?" and "I won't ever do that again" are examples of the ways in which we can admit that we are at fault and that we regret our actions.

What is the most sincere way to apologize?

Aaron Lazare, an apology expert and former chancellor and dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a good apology has four elements:
  • Acknowledge the offense. ...
  • Explain what happened. ...
  • Express remorse. ...
  • Offer to make amends.

What is a heartfelt apology?

A sincere and effective apology is one that communicates genuine empathy, remorse, and regret as well as a promise to learn from your mistakes. In other words, you need to really believe you did something wrong and feel sorry for the hurt you caused.

How can you really deeply apologize to someone?

  • 1. I apologize for what I did. (Be specific.)
  • 2. I feel bad for hurting you. (Mean it.)
  • 3. I promise I will never do it again. (Mean it.)
  • 4. What can I do to make this right? (Listen and follow through.)

How do you say deepest apologies?

How to Make a Sincere Apology
  1. I'm sorry for… It is important to clearly state what one is apologizing for. ...
  2. It was wrong because… Can we be truly sorry for something if we don't know why it is wrong? ...
  3. In the future I will… ...
  4. Will you forgive me?

Narcissistic defensiveness vs. a REAL apology

21 related questions found

How do you say sorry in a deeper way?

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  1. Say you're sorry. ...
  2. Say what it is that you're apologizing for. ...
  3. Show you understand why it was bad, take ownership, and show that you understand why you caused hurt.
  4. Don't make excuses.
  5. Say why it won't happen again. ...
  6. If it's relevant, make reparations: "I'm going to pay for the dry cleaning.

How to apologize to someone you hurt deeply message?

Even if you're not exactly sure what would make it better, you can write something like:
  1. I want to make it up to you.
  2. I want to make it right.
  3. I'd be so grateful if we could talk about this.
  4. I want to find a compromise.
  5. Let me fix this.
  6. I'll do everything I can to make sure this never happens again.
  7. I messed up.

What is a strong apology?

An effective apology -- one that is thoughtful, genuine and timely – can eases tension, restores trust, and benefits both parties. On the other hand, an insincere apology can make matters worse. Most people can sense when someone is being insincere and they may become even more offended than they initially were.

What not to say in an apology?

The word “but” negates what you said just prior to it. It minimizes the impact of a genuine apology. It's like saying, “I know that you were hurt, but it wasn't really that bad.

What is a meaningful sentence for apologize?

He wanted to publicly apologize to his victims. I want to apologize publicly on his behalf to those who have suffered. He apologized profusely to his family and staff. apologize for something I sincerely apologize for the enormous delay in delivery.

How do you write a heart touching apology?

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Apology Letter
  1. Start with a Clear Apology. ...
  2. Acknowledge the Mistake or Harm Done. ...
  3. Express Remorse and Responsibility. ...
  4. Offer a Plan to Make Amends. ...
  5. Promise that It Won't Happen Again. ...
  6. Ask for Forgiveness. ...
  7. Keep it Brief and to the Point. ...
  8. Proofread Your Letter.

What is profound apology?

What are profound apologies? Profound apologies aren't a lot different than regular apologies but you can feel the difference. The person doing the apologizing influses every word with their regret that the event, words, actions, whatever it was ever happened. You know one when you hear it.

How do you say sorry wholeheartedly?

Follow these steps when you make an apology:
  1. Express remorse.
  2. Admit responsibility.
  3. Make amends.
  4. Promise that it won't happen again.

What is a true apology?

Unlike a superficial apology, an authentic one demands sincere remorse, acknowledgment of harm, and a commitment to making amends. It honors the dignity and humanity of both the person harmed and the person responsible.

How to apologize to a narcissist?

Looking for how to get a narcissist to forgive you? It helps to let them know that you are aware of the exact thing you did that hurt them. So, you may want to say something like, “I am sorry for treating your mother the way I did.”

How to say sorry genuinely?

7 tips for giving a sincere apology
  1. Acknowledge what you did wrong. ...
  2. Express your remorse genuinely. ...
  3. Avoid making excuses. ...
  4. Listen actively. ...
  5. Offer to make amends. ...
  6. Commit to not repeating the behavior. ...
  7. Choose the right time and setting.

What is the best thing to say in an apology?

Saying the words “I'm sorry” or “I apologize” is non-negotiable in any decent apology, big or small. Avoid terms like “I regret” or “I feel really bad about what happened.” For bigger infractions, explicitly saying what you're apologizing for and why it was wrong helps you take accountability.

How to tell if an apology is sincere?

A true apology does not overdo.It stays focused on acknowledging the feelings of the hurt party without overshadowing them with your own pain or remorse. A true apology doesn't get caught up in who's to blame or who “started it.”Maybe you're only 14% to blame and maybe the other person provoked you.

What is an example of a manipulative apology?

If the apology includes phrases such as “I'm sorry you feel that way” or “I'm sorry if I offended you,” it may be a sign of a manipulative apology. These phrases shift the blame onto the person who was hurt, rather than taking responsibility for the actions that caused the harm.

What are the 5 R's of apology?

Effective apologies are as unique as the offenses that inspire them, but they all have, in varying degrees, the following five dimensions:
  • Recognition.
  • Responsibility.
  • Remorse.
  • Restitution.
  • Repetition.

How do you apologize to someone you hurt deeply?

How to Apologize
  1. Step 1: Acknowledge your partner's hurt/anger. Example: I recognize that you feel upset...
  2. Step 2: Apologize for what you said or did. ...
  3. Step 3: Briefly explain your own motives and perspective. ...
  4. Step 4: Apologize again. ...
  5. Step 1: Listen. ...
  6. Step 2: Receive. ...
  7. Step 3: Believe. ...
  8. Step 4: Accept.

How to apologize without admitting fault?

Key Strategies for Apologizing Professionally Without Saying “Sorry”
  1. Take Responsibility. The first step in making others feel acknowledged is to take responsibility for your mistake. ...
  2. Focus on the Solution. The best way to move forward is by focusing on a solution. ...
  3. Express Empathy. ...
  4. Show Appreciation.

What is an example of a heartfelt apology?

Please accept my sincerest apologies for my thoughtless actions and the hurt they have inflicted upon you. I am deeply aware of the pain and disappointment I have caused you, and I want you to know that I feel an immense sense of guilt and regret for my behavior.

How to show remorse in court?

In order to demonstrate my remorse, I have taken the following steps:
  1. Acknowledging the impact of my actions. · What specifically did I do wrong? ...
  2. Taking responsibility for my actions. · What motivated me to act in the way that I did? ...
  3. Expressing regret and apologising. · How do I feel about what I have done? ...
  4. Making amends. ·

What is a very good apology message?

I know you are disappointed in me and I have let you down with all the hurtful things I said. I am truly sorry and will be glad if you forgive me. I'm sorry. It takes a strong person to say sorry and even a stronger person to forgive.