Apologizing is not easy, no one likes to admit they were wrong. Apologizing to someone you really care about, like a best friend, is even more difficult. Taking responsibility for mistakes takes courage. Face your fear and show that you are truly sorry for your mistake.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Prepare to Apologize
Step 1. Take responsibility for your actions
Before you can sincerely apologize properly, you must forgive your friend for her fault in this argument. Once you've gotten over the hurt, you can stop justifying your negative actions. Realize that you made a mistake, admit that your actions hurt, and take responsibility for your words and actions.
Step 2. Clear your mind
Fighting with friends can be stressful. You're likely experiencing a variety of emotions, from anger to regret. By putting your thoughts on paper, you too can process your emotions. When you've finished this list, read it. Use the positive comments you will share with your friends and cross out any hurtful words.
Step 3. Write down your apology and train yourself to deliver it
Finding the right words to apologize is very difficult. Instead of saying it right away when you meet, use the notes you've already made to write down your apology. You can write it in the form of a sentence or in the form of a list. Practice reading this apology several times until you feel confident and comfortable. Revise the parts that sound bad or weird.
Step 4. Ask your best friend to meet up
If possible, it's a good idea to apologize to the other person face-to-face. When you meet him in person, you and your friend can see each other's facial expressions and body language, which will reduce the chances of misunderstandings. Call your best friend, let them know you want to apologize, and arrange a schedule for the two of you to meet alone.
- Don't wait too long to contact your friends.
- If he doesn't want to see you, try asking him to meet again in a few days. Send him an email or letter if he continues to decline your invitations.
Part 2 of 3: Apologizing to Friends
Step 1. Show that you regret your actions
A sincere apology is rooted in empathy. When apologizing to a friend, it's a good idea to tell everything based on the truth. If your remorse is shallow, your friend may not accept it. Tell your friend that you are truly sorry for hurting and making her uncomfortable.
- "I'm sorry for hurting you."
- “I feel bad for taking advantage of your kindness.”
Step 2. Take responsibility for your actions
Tell your friends that you are fully responsible for your actions. Don't blame others, especially your friends. Don't give reasons to justify your attitude.
- "I realize that I treated you badly."
- "I realized that I was the one who provoked this debate between us."
- "I know it's my fault."
Step 3. Make up for your mistakes
Say that you want to make amends for your mistake. How to make amends for this error depends on your behavior. You can promise him that you will not repeat this mistake or that you will work on improving yourself.
- “I will never _ again.”
- "I'm going to start therapy."
Step 4. Ask a friend to forgive you
After sincerely apologizing to him, humbly ask him to forgive you. Let him know that you value his relationship with him. Show that you will do your best not to hurt her again.
- Perhaps you can emphasize the key points of your apology.
- "I am sorry."
- "I hope you can forgive what I have done."
- "Can we forget what happened?"
- "Is it possible that we can forget what happened?"
Part 3 of 3: Moving On
Step 1. Listen to your friend's feedback
After apologizing, give your friend a chance to respond. Let him express his anger and frustration, as well as hurt and discomfort. Don't cut him off with defensive comments; don't force him to be equally responsible for this mistake.
- Maintain eye contact with friends.
- Lean forward to show that you are really listening to the conversation.
- Show you sympathize with him by responding to his body language.
Step 2. Release
After providing everything necessary and listening carefully to your friend's response, stop getting involved in the conflict. In order for your friend to forgive you, you must realize that you have done everything necessary to make things better. If you are fully responsible for your mistake, you will not bring up this problem again.
Step 3. Give your friend time to forgive you
You've apologized for the mistake, but your best friend may not be ready to get over the issue. Just be patient with him. Don't force him to forgive you.
If he asks for a room, wait for him to call you
Tips
- Don't blame friends.
- Love him and show him that you love him for who he is.
- When apologizing, go somewhere where you can be alone. This can reduce tension or stress.
- Be honest.
- Speak from the heart.
- After apologizing, hug your friend.
Warning
- Avoid miscommunication.
- Give him time to forgive you.
