Should you apologize to someone who hurt you?

A sincere apology can also bring relief, particularly if you have guilt over your actions. An apology alone doesn't erase the hurt or make it OK, but it does establish that you know your actions or words were wrong and that you will strive harder in the future to prevent it from happening again.
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How do you apologize to someone who hurt you?

10 sincere ways to apologize to someone you hurt
  1. Never say 'I put myself in your shoe' ...
  2. Acknowledging your mistake. ...
  3. Make this right along with saying sorry. ...
  4. There is no place for 'but' while apologizing. ...
  5. Take complete responsibility for your action. ...
  6. Promise that you won't repeat it. ...
  7. Be authentic while apologizing.
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When should you not apologize to someone?

You Should Never Apologize for Someone Else

Everyone is responsible for their own actions and behavior. You do not need to apologize for something someone else did even if you feel their actions reflect upon you through association.
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Should you apologize for your feelings?

Jill Murray, Licensed Psychotherapist, Author, and Relationship Expert, tells Bustle. "You should always apologize for hurtful behavior, even if you think that the person feeling that pain doesn't have a right to feel it, or that you wouldn't have been hurt by it."
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What do you do when someone hurts you and doesn't apologize?

What to do when someone won't apologize: 11 effective tips
  1. 1) You need to set a boundary. ...
  2. 2) Ask for an explanation. ...
  3. 3) Resolve the conflict within yourself. ...
  4. 4) Talk about the mistake. ...
  5. 5) Don't make too much of an issue. ...
  6. 6) Show them that you're not mad. ...
  7. 7) Use your intuition and think about the other person.
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The Best Way to Apologize to Someone You Hurt



Can apologizing make things worse?

Apologies often fall short—or even make things worse. But there is a way to make an apology effective. In fact, when an apology is delivered well, you might make things better than they were before you messed up.
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Should you apologize or just let it go?

If something you've done has caused pain for another person, it's a good idea to apologize, even if whatever you did was unintentional. This is because apologizing opens up the doors to communication, which allows you to reconnect with the person who was hurt.
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What is a toxic apology?

The toxic apology part 2

This sounds almost reasonable but is, in fact, anything but reasonable. It is a form of words designed to make you look like the bad guy by suggesting that you have been ungracious and unbending, as well as having unrealistic expectations.
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What happens when you don't apologize?

In my experience, a good apology not only heals the first injury but strengthens the relationship between people. In contrast, the failure to make an apology when one is called for often causes more damage than the initial hurt—because it expands the breach between the two of you.
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What should you not say in an apology?

Don't say things like “I really didn't mean it when I said…” or “I did x because Sally did y…”. It lessens the effectiveness of the apology by making you sound insincere. Shifting blame. Avoid saying things like “I'm sorry you were offended” or “I'm sorry the group felt like I was out of line”.
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What can I say instead of I'm sorry?

Appreciation Over Apologies

Instead of attempting to stop yourself from saying something altogether, the user suggests replacing that oft-repeated “I'm sorry” with two different words: Thank you.
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Do narcissists apologize?

Apologize. If you've heard someone say, “Narcissists never apologize,” they're not exactly right. While many traits of narcissism like entitlement, elitism, and arrogance make it unlikely someone with narcissistic traits will go the apology route, apologies are sometimes used with ulterior motives.
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What can I use instead of sorry?

Here are six other words for saying sorry.
  • My Apologies. My apologies is another word for “I'm sorry.” It's rather formal, so it's fine for business contexts. ...
  • Pardon/Pardon Me/I Beg Your Pardon. Pardon is a verb which means to allow as a courtesy. ...
  • Excuse Me. ...
  • Mea Culpa. ...
  • Oops/Whoops. ...
  • My Bad.
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What to say to someone who has hurt you deeply?

If you're hoping to salvage the relationship with the person who has hurt you, then here are some great conversation points to add in:
  • “I care about you.”
  • “I respect you.”
  • “I want to fix our relationship.”
  • “I want to move past this.”
  • “I want to understand each other better.”
  • “I want to be open with you.”
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How do you forgive someone who hurts you emotionally?

How to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You Emotionally
  1. Accept oneself.
  2. Accept the other.
  3. Let go of having to be right.
  4. Let go of needing to punish the other.
  5. Let go of needing to be angry to maintain power or control over the other.
  6. Accept that the world is not fair.
  7. Focus on the advantages of forgiveness over anger.
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What makes a real apology?

A real apology has three main components: (1) it acknowledges the actions taken and resulting pain inflicted on you; (2) it provides an action plan for how s/he will right the wrong; and (3) there is an actual change in behavior proving to you that there won't be a repeat of the past.
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How do you reconnect with someone you hurt?

Photos courtesy of the individual members.
  1. Go At It With An Open Heart And Mind. ...
  2. Don't Find Excuses, Just Reach Out. ...
  3. Set A Daily Goal. ...
  4. Practice Asking Better Questions. ...
  5. Reconnect For The Right Reasons. ...
  6. Take Ownership And Be Curious. ...
  7. Be Generous And Forgiving. ...
  8. Don't Make It About You.
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Who should say sorry first?

But it doesn't matter how little the mistake is; if there is hurt involved, you should apologize rather than let it fester. The person thinks that he or she is the one who deserve an apology first, so they wait for the partner to apologize.
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Can you forgive someone who isn't sorry?

Forgiving and reconciling are not the same. You are free to forgive, if you so choose, even if the other refuses to apologize.
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What is a weak apology?

The Incomplete Apology.

For example, you might take partial responsibility for your role, but not express regret or ask forgiveness. Or you might express some regret for the circumstances of the other person, but not admit your role.
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How do manipulators apologize?

If the manipulator apologizes, they do it in a way that points the finger back at you. The underlying message is, “I'm sorry you think I did (or said) something wrong, but ultimately, that's on you. I'm innocent, you're overreacting, and I'm hurt that you would attack me this way.”
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How do you know if you're manipulative?

Signs You May Be Manipulating Someone

Lying or misleading people. Withholding communication & affection. Blaming others for your actions. Keeping intentions vague — not saying what you want.
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Should you ever apologize to a woman?

Apologizing is never easy but in some cases, it is absolutely necessary. Just don't make the mistake to wash the floor with your dignity or to, God forbid, put a ring on her finger because you want her to be happy. The one thing you have to understand is that apologies are highly emotional events, at least for women.
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How do I let go without an apology?

How to Forgive Without An Apology
  1. Gently bring it up. The person who wronged you may not have meant to hurt your feelings. ...
  2. Stop avoiding them; work on seeing them without tension. ...
  3. Move forward from the pain. ...
  4. Thank the person for giving you strength. ...
  5. Accept the apology you will never get.
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Is it worth apologizing years later?

“If you're apologizing after a long time, acknowledge it. Explain why it took you that amount of time to apologize, as sometimes a person may be more upset with the fact that you didn't see a need to apologize rather than the action that hurt them.” Second is the actual apology.
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