Apology Messages
Apology Examples for Notes, Cards, and Letters
Having to apologize can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do. Figuring out how to say sorry can be the toughest part of the apology. The following are examples of what you can write in a card or letter of apology. Hopefully, these can make the process less painful.
Keep in mind that an apology doesn't guarantee forgiveness. Forgiveness is something for the other person to decide. Take responsibility for your actions and be sincere about your feelings of regret. These will get you started.
Keep in mind that an apology doesn't guarantee forgiveness. Forgiveness is something for the other person to decide. Take responsibility for your actions and be sincere about your feelings of regret. These will get you started.
- I don't know what I was thinking. Obviously I wasn't thinking.
- I wouldn't blame you if you don't forgive me. I've messed up big time.
- You deserve so much better. I treated you wrong, and I didn't show anyone involved the respect the deserve.
- When I think back now, I feel sick for doing what I did. I wasn't acting right. I was in a bad place. I appreciate the patience you had with me. I didn't deserve the respect you gave me at that moment.
- Even though I probably don’t deserve it, I want to ask for your forgiveness anyway. I am sorry for _____.
- I take full responsibility for my actions. I know that I could have done things differently, but I made a poor decision that I regret now. Please forgive me for my lack of wisdom in the situation.
- Everyone has times where they wish they could go back and change something they have done. Right now is one of those times for me. I totally regret what I did to hurt you and I want to ask for your forgiveness.
- I think that I might be able to forgive myself a little easier if you found it in your heart to forgive me. Unfortunately, I’m still battling guilt over what I have done to you.
- I wish I could take back the words that I said to you. I was totally out of line and what I said wasn’t true and it was totally uncalled for in the situation. I promise to never say such hurtful and untrue things to you ever again. Please forgive me.
- It’s sad how anger can get the best of a person and lead to hurting someone the person loves. I love you a lot and I regret allowing my anger to get the best of me. I am sorry, and I want you to know that I am working on my anger problem.
- I acknowledge that what I did to you has created a deep wound to your spirit. I don’t expect you to fully forgive me anytime soon if ever. I am apologizing to attempt to take the first step to show you that I am trying to change. I know that your trust in me is damaged and will not be built back quickly. Thank you for taking the time to read this apology.
- If someone did to me what I did to you, I don’t know that I would forgive the person. If I did forgive the person it would take some time. Please know that I am sorry, and I do not expect your forgiveness or trust any time soon. I hope through time we can find reconciliation.
- What I did to you was horrible enough that I consider it a sin against you and in the eyes of God. I have confessed and asked God for forgiveness, and His grace has forgiven me. I am sorry and am asking you to do something that I only expect God’s grace to do. Forgive me.
- I would like to apologize because I know that I hurt you and I don’t want you to continue to feel the pain of what I did each time you are around me. Forgiveness can free you from those thoughts of anger and resentment toward me even if you don’t ever trust me again.
What Not to Say in an Apology
When apologizing, what you don't say can be just as important as what you do say. Here are a few things to avoid including in an apology:
- "I'm sorry, but..."
- "No offense, but..."
- "You should have..."
- "Why did you...?"
- "It's not my fault..."
- "Let's just agree to disagree."
- "I'm not the one who..."
- "What would you have done if..."
- "You need to..."
Words for an Apology
These are words that can be used for your sorry message. Finding the appropriate words can make a huge difference especially when the person reading your apology will likely scrutinize your word choice.
Nouns
Error, misjudgment, mistake, misunderstanding, decision, choice, actions, words, behaviors, emotions, gestures, feelings, comments, regret, sorrow, guilt, pain, shame, damage, harm
Adjectives
Stupid, ridiculous, obnoxious, pathetic, abrasive, thoughtless, hair-brained, idiotic, mean, selfish, hostile, self-centered, egotistical, moronic, hurtful, impulsive, wrong, terrible
Verbs
Hurt, distrusted, devalued, disappointed, ashamed, embarrassed, wounded, scarred, injured, shocked, surprised, wished, betrayed, backstabbed, promised, broke, lied, cheated, killed, stole