USA Today’s Ask Stacy reminds us of the three elements of a true apology: “sorry,” responsibility for the choice taken, and promise for the future.
Stacy Kaiser writes (excerpt):
A true apology should consist of three elements: taking responsibility for your mistake, saying you’re sorry and a commitment to never do what hurt that person again. . . . Here’s what a heartfelt apology should sound like: “Even though I missed you, I should never have directed my attention to another man. I should have come to you to try to fix the problem. For that I am truly sorry. I made two mistakes, I flirted with another man and I didn’t communicate with you how I was feeling. I promise to never do either of those again. I will never direct my affections to another man and I will come to you any time things are not right. Will you please forgive me?”