Why write an apology? An apology can be an important and necessary step in repairing a damaged relationship. It can reduce the level of impact on person harmed, and shows that you understood how your actions affected them. An apology indicated that you are taking accountability for your actions. For the person harmed, receiving an apology may help them begin to release their anger, hurt, and/or fear and begin to heal.
- Describe what happened in detail: “I need to apologize to you for…..”
- Acknowledge the harm caused to the person you are apologizing
to: “I understand that in response to my actions you….” - Recognize the harm caused and take responsibility: “What I did was
wrong because…” - State your regret: “I apologize that I ______ and that you were _____”
- State a goal to behave differently in the future: “In the future I will….”
- Be sincere.
For example:
Dear (Person Harmed),
I need to apologize to you for… I understand that in response to my actions you… What I did was wrong because… I apologize that I ______ and that you were _____. In the future I will….Sincerely, (Your Name)