Asking forgiveness is not easy; and there is no guarantee the person you wronged will accept the apology. Still, forgiveness is a lifted burden and helps re-establish relationships.

Why Are You Apologizing?

• Apologizing without fully grasping why someone became furious is a huge mistake. This does not solve the problem. Many who are at odds with family or friends want the fighting to end, thus they apologize simply because they want to move on. Think about the situation that caused the conflict. If the person addressed the reason behind their anger, try and avoid this behavior. Even if you consider the incident minor, do not minimize their feelings.

Practice Apology

• Writing the apology on paper is perfect for organizing your thoughts. This is especially ideal for individuals who've committed several wrongs. Practice reading the apology out loud. Do not memorize. The person may be able to detect a rehearsed apology and feel that it is not genuine. In the apology, say exactly why you are sorry. It may even help to provide a short explanation of your behavior. For example, if the underlying cause of your rude conduct was an incident that occurred earlier in the day – tell them. This does not excuse the behavior, but the person may display understanding.