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Which of these apologies sound better to you?

Note: Some of these are obviously better than others. Others may be your personal preference.

1. You didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry.
2. You started this, but I’ll apologize anyway.
3. There is nothing that I can do to take away the past, so please just forget and forgive.

4. Please forgive me for saying that.  I know it was insensitive.
5. Let’s let bygones be bygones.
6. I am sorry if you were offended.

7. I should be excused here because I didn’t mean it to come out that way.
8. If you hadn’t done that, then I would not have responded in the way that I did.
9. Oops. Can I get a do-over?

10. I am responsible for that and I’m sorry.
11. I will do the work to fix that mistake.
12. I don’t want to ever do that to you again. I’m open to ideas you have on how I might change my behavior.

13. I’ve put you in a difficult situation. I’m sorry.
14. This mistake is part of a pattern that I need to change.
15. I don’t feel right just saying “I’m sorry”. I want to make it up to you. What would you consider appropriate?

16. I really messed up this time. Please forgive me.
17. I wish I would have thought before I acted.  I’m so stupid.
18. Please forgive me already. Don’t make me beg.

19. It’s so hard for me to say “I’m sorry.” Please don’t ask me to apologize.
20. You know me. You know I am sorry.
21. This is so uncomfortable for me, but because our relationship is so important, I am apologizing.

Throughout this mini-course, we will explore which are better apologies and why. We will unpack the elements of effective apologies and discover your and your spouse’s preferred ways of receiving an apology.