SPOT THE FAKE
“Sorry you’re mad.”
It blames the other person’s feelings instead of taking responsibility. It should say what I did wrong.
Interrupted someone
“I interrupted you while you were talking. That was rude. I’m sorry. I’ll wait my turn next time.”
What instrument did Miss Ruby play in middle school
Piano
“I shouldn’t have taken your pencil. Here it is back.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and repairs the problem.
Bumping into someone
Minor → Quick apology is enough
“I was just joking.”
That’s an excuse. It avoids responsibility and doesn’t acknowledge harm.
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.”
When was Riley Street Middle school opened?
The year 2000
“Sorry you felt hurt.”
Do NOT accept
Blames feelings instead of action.
Talking during presentation
Minor to Medium → Apology + changed behavior
Eye roll + “My bad.”
Body language matters. It shows sarcasm or disrespect. A real apology must be sincere.
Ignored partner
“I didn’t help with the project. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry. I’ll finish my part tonight.”
What is the most used spice in the world
Black pepper
“I called you annoying. That wasn’t cool. I’m sorry.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and acknowledges wrongdoing.
Calling someone a name in front of friends
Medium → Apology + possibly private repair
“Whatever. Sorry.”
“I shouldn’t have said that. It was disrespectful. I’m sorry.”
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."
What sport does Miss Ruby play?
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but it wasn’t a big deal.”
Do NOT accept
Minimizes the impact and includes an excuse.
Breaking project on purpose
Major → Apology + repair (replace/fix)
“I wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t…”
That’s blame shifting. A real apology has no excuses and no blaming.
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.”
How old is Miss Ruby?
21 years old
“I lied about you. I’ll tell everyone the truth tomorrow.”
Accept!
Takes responsibility and includes repair.
Posting something mean online
Major → Apology + public correction + removal