These five words can shift the whole tone of a conversation.

They show self-awareness. Accountability. And a willingness to repair.
They tell your partner: I see how my actions—or inactions—affected you, and I’m not going to brush it off.

💬 “That wasn’t fair of me. I can see how that landed.”
💬 “You’re right—I didn’t handle that well.”
💬 “That came out harsher than I meant. I’m sorry.”
💬 “I let my frustration take over. That wasn’t okay.”

Sometimes, what wasn’t fair is what you didn’t say or do:

💬 “I should’ve spoken up sooner instead of letting that build. That wasn’t fair to you.”
💬 “I didn’t back you up when I should have. I left you holding it alone. That wasn’t fair.”

🎯 Taking responsibility doesn’t mean you’re the only one who made mistakes.
It means you’re strong enough to own yours.
And that opens the door for trust, repair, and moving forward—together.