Steps to an Apology
Step 1 of Apologizing
1.Look at the person who is apologizing
"I am sorry you didn’t look where you were walking so I tripped you."
Bad.
A good apology never blames the other person for your behavior. It is important to take responsibility for your actions.
You roll your eyes and yell "Ugh fine! I'm sorry I called you a weirdo!"
Politely and genuinely say "I am sorry for calling you a weirdo. It was wrong because it was hurtful. Next time I will not say anything if I do not have anything nice to say. Will you forgive me?"
Sam colors over Tiffany’s picture.
Sam should say "I am sorry for coloring over your picture. It was wrong because because it destroyed your hard work and hurt your feelings. Next time I will color on my own paper. Will you forgive me?"
You accidentally interrupt someone while they’re speaking in class.
Yes, Interrupting can be disrespectful, even if it’s not on purpose. Saying sorry shows you respect their voice.
Step 2 of Apologizing
2. Listen to what he or she is saying
"I'm sorry I hit you, but you made me mad!"
Bad.
A good apology never focuses on the other person did.
"I'm sorry I hit you, but you broke my Lego tower!"
"I am sorry for hitting you. It was wrong because it was unsafe and mean. Next time I will use my stress ball when I get angry. Will you forgive me?"
Tim lost Annie’s favorite book
Tim should say to Annie: "I am sorry that I lost your favorite book. It is wrong because I did not take care of something you trusted me with. Next time I will make sure to put the book in my backpack so it does not get lost. Will you forgive me?"
You didn’t laugh at a joke your friend told, and they seem disappointed.
No, You’re allowed to have your own reactions. You don’t need to apologize for being honest or having different feelings.
Step 3 of Apologizing
3. Remain calm. Refrain from making sarcastic statments
"I’m sorry I tripped you. It was wrong because you could get hurt. Are you okay? Next time I will move out of the way. Will you accept my apology?"
Good.
"I'm sorry I called you stupid. You were annoying me!"
"I am sorry I called you stupid. It was wrong because it was mean and hurtful. Next time I will kindly ask for space or alone time when I am getting frustrated. Will you forgive me?"
Your best friend has a new toy that you really like. You take it without asking. Your friend is upset.
You should say to your friend "I am sorry for taking your toy. It was wrong because it was not mine to take. Next time I will ask before touching something of yours. Will you forgive me?"
You borrowed a friend’s hoodie and returned it with a stain.
Yes, You damaged something that wasn’t yours. Apologizing shows responsibility and respect for their belongings.
Step 4 of Apologizing
4. Thank the person for the apology; say “Thanks for saying ‘I’m sorry’’’ or “That’s Okay.”
Shouting “Ok, Ok! I said I’m sorry!”
Bad.
A good apology never includes frustrated or annoyed body language, tone of voice, or facial expression.
"I am sorry for taking your balloon. It was wrong because stealing is not kind. Next time I will ask if I can see it and then give it back to you. Will you forgive me?"
Your brother or sister keeps throwing wads of paper at you. You feel annoyed and hit him or her.
You should say to your brother or sister "I am sorry for hitting you. It was wrong because it was unsafe. Next time I will ask you to stop or get help from mom and dad. Will you forgive me?"
You chose to sit with a different group at lunch one day, and your usual friends felt left out.
No, You’re allowed to spend time with different people. You can explain your choice kindly, but you don’t need to apologize for it
Say All 4 Steps of Apologizing!
1. Look at the person who is apologizing
2. Listen to what he or she is saying
3.Remain calm. Refrain from making sarcastic statements
4. Thank the person for the apology; say “Thanks for saying ‘I’m sorry’’’ or “That’s Okay.”
"What?! You don't forgive me?! Well I didn't mean it anyways! I'm not sorry!"
Bad.
A good apology means being okay if the other person is still upset and not getting mad if our apology is not accepted right away.
Sometimes, our apologies fix whatever has happened on the spot. But some other times, the other person still feels hurt and needs some space and time before they are ready to forgive us.
"I'm sorry for yelling, but I was right!"
"I am sorry for yelling at you. It was wrong because it was not kind and unhelpful. Next time I will wait my turn to speak. Will you forgive me?"
It is silent reading time and you are bored. You decide to poke the person sitting next to you with your pencil. Your classmate is feeling annoyed and distracted.
You should tell to your classmate and teacher "I am sorry for poking you with the pencil. It was wrong because it could have hurt you and kept you from focusing on your work. Next time I will pick a more interesting book for me to read and stay focused. Will you forgive me?"
You got frustrated and said something mean during a group project.
Yes, Hurtful words can damage trust. Apologizing helps repair the relationship and shows emotional maturity.