How To Apologize To A Friend 14 Steps With Pictures

Say something like, “I know I really let you down when I didn’t go to your birthday party. I know how much it meant to you. " You can also say, “I am so sorry that I kissed your crush last week. I don’t know what I was thinking, and I’ve been kicking myself over it ever since. Your friendship means way more to me than a dumb boy. " If you’re making excuses during your apology, you’re a bad friend. End of story. Don’t say, “I’m sorry that I didn’t go to your party, but. . . " Giving an excuse for what you did is worse than not apologizing at all because it implies you’re not really that sorry.

Don’t say something like, “I’m sorry that you were so upset. . . " This is some terrible, passive aggressive crap that basically blames them, not you. Like making excuses, it makes you a bad friend.

Say something like, “I can’t imagine how disappointed you were when I didn’t show up to your birthday party. You have been planning it for such a long time and I know you wanted it to be perfect. " Or, “I know you were incredibly hurt when I kissed Collin. You have had a crush on him for months and must have been heartbroken. "

Say, “I missed your birthday party. I shouldn’t have done that. I made a commitment to you and dropped it, but I won’t take my promises so lightly again. " Say, “I can’t believe what I did with Collin. He means nothing to me and you mean everything to me. Our friendship is more important to me than any romantic relationship. "

Say, “I’ll never flake on you again. I won’t leave you high and dry in the future. When I say I’ll be somewhere, I’ll be there. Let me take you out to a private birthday party at the movies/dinner/the park/laser tag/etc. " Say, “I’ll never try to even flirt with someone you have a crush on. I know how much your crushes mean to you and I won’t interfere with your romantic life again. "

A simple “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?” will mean the world. No one likes asking for forgiveness, that’s what makes it so meaningful when you do! Don’t skip this step just because you’re too proud – it’s important.

If your friend is really far away, then call or Skype them. It’s not perfect, but it is way better than ignoring things until you see each other again.

You should know your friend better than most people. Is he or she the kind of person who needs a lot of time to cool off, or who forgives pretty easily? How bad was it last time you hung out? If you know your friend is going to be under an incredible amount of stress or is dealing with something personal, then just chill out and hold on. Your apology, remember, is about them, not about you.

Taking full responsibility for what you’ve done. Noticing how it’s made the other person feel. Including the words “I’m sorry. " Showing how grateful you are for the friendship. Planning to make things up or be better next time.

Apologies can be hard. But they’re necessary. Get over your fears and pride and remember that you hurt someone you love.

Stay on the line when you’re done, letting the conversation turn to other topics, like old friends would. Don’t apologize over voicemail – it is just tacky and insincere. If they don’t call you back, too bad. They’re not ready for the apology, and you need to go in person.