1. The Most Obvious

The most obvious in the ways to apologize to someone you have hurt is to simply say you are sorry. It is simple but it works. It conveys that you regret your actions. I think the important thing about making this option meaningful is to use the right tone of voice and be sincere. Things like tone of voice and sincerity can be easily read by others.

2. Ask Forgiveness

Sometimes it may be necessary to ask someone to forgive you for something you have done. This is a little more difficult that saying you are sorry, in my opinion. Usually, this is a way to apologize in your very personal relationships. Sometimes, asking your partner to forgive you will open their heart to you again. While humbling, it can definitely restore goodwill between you.

3. Express Your Feelings

Sometimes it is helpful to explain to the person you offended that you feel just awful about what happened. Let them know you are bothered by it. If you had trouble sleeping because of it, say that. Honesty can help you here. This also helps them to have compassion for you and be more willing to forgive you.

4. Show You Care

Showing that you care about the person that you have hurt is important in apologizing. Don’t stop at saying that you are sorry. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much it hurts you to know that you hurt them. If it is someone you are close to, this will more than likely help them to be very forgiving with you. If they aren’t close to you, this option wouldn’t be very appropriate anyway.

5. Attempt to Make up

You know, a nice gesture can go a long way when you are looking for ways to apologize. Just like our guys tend to buy us flowers when we are upset with them, we can buy something to show how we feel for others. Maybe a card would be appropriate. You might choose to send flowers to a girlfriend, sister or Mom. It isn’t really what you choose but the thought behind it that says they are on your mind and you regret your actions.

6. Let Others Know You Were Wrong

If what you said or did was done in public, it can go a long way to helping your apology if you tell those that witnessed the event that you were wrong. You may very well have embarrassed someone by how you acted and this can help them to feel better. No, this isn’t easy but if the relationship you hurt was damaged by acting wrong publicly, it may be necessary to truly restore goodwill. Better yet is to apologize to the one you hurt in front of those that witnessed it. Most people will respect you for this.

7. Learn from It

The best way to truly apologize to someone is to learn from your behavior and not repeat it again. I have often said that if you are truly sorry, you don’t repeat the behavior. You change the actions that you are doing that are hurtful. Even if you slip up from time to time, it will be noticeable if you are trying to change. This really helps others to have a forgiving heart toward you.

There are many things you can do in way of apology. What are ways you use to show your apology to others? I would love to hear from you.