SPOT THE FAKE
BUILD A BETTER APOLOGY
BONUS
WOULD YOU ACCEPT IT?
DAMAGE LEVEL
100
“Sorry you’re mad.”
It blames the other person’s feelings instead of taking responsibility. It should say what I did wrong.
100
Interrupted someone
“I interrupted you while you were talking. That was rude. I’m sorry. I’ll wait my turn next time.”
100
What school do you go to?
Claibourn!
100
“I shouldn’t have taken your pencil. Here it is back.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and repairs the problem.
100
Bumping into someone
Minor → Quick apology is enough
200
“I was just joking.”
That’s an excuse. It avoids responsibility and doesn’t acknowledge harm.
200
Laughed when someone tripped
“I laughed when you fell. That probably embarrassed you. I’m sorry. I won’t laugh if someone gets hurt again.”
200
What calm down skill song did you learn in school?
Take a breath Count to ten Walk away....
200
“Sorry you felt hurt.”
Do NOT accept
Blames feelings instead of action.
200
Talking during presentation
Minor to Medium → Apology + changed behavior
300
Eye roll + “My bad.”
Body language matters. It shows sarcasm or disrespect. A real apology must be sincere.
300
Ignored partner
“I didn’t help with the project. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry. I’ll finish my part tonight.”
300
What flag is this?
300
“I called you annoying. That wasn’t cool. I’m sorry.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and acknowledges wrongdoing.
300
Calling someone a name in front of friends
Medium → Apology + possibly private repair
400
“Whatever. Sorry.”
“I shouldn’t have said that. It was disrespectful. I’m sorry.”
400
Yelled at a teacher
“I yelled earlier when I was frustrated. That was disrespectful. I’m sorry. I’ll ask for a break next time."
400
How amazing of a sister are you on a scale of 1-10?
You are a 10! :)
400
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but it wasn’t a big deal.”
Do NOT accept
Minimizes the impact and includes an excuse.
400
Breaking project on purpose
Major → Apology + repair (replace/fix)
500
“I wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t…”
That’s blame shifting. A real apology has no excuses and no blaming.
500
Spread something untrue
“I told people something about you that wasn’t true. That could really hurt your reputation. I’m sorry. I’ll tell them it wasn’t true.”
500
What is one nice thing you could do for your brother and sister?
...
500
“I lied about you. I’ll tell everyone the truth tomorrow.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and includes repair.
500
Posting something mean online
Major → Apology + public correction + removal