How to Apologize to a Girl You Accidentally Insulted
Figure out why she was offended., Apologize in person., Be sincere in your apology., List the hurtful effects of your actions when you apologize., Admit your wrongdoing., Listen to her response., Ask for her forgiveness., Move on.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Figure out why she was offended.
Did your comment implicate someone she loved, like a family member or friend, accidentally? Did you bring up a story or event from her past that she would rather not talk about? Is there a simple misunderstanding between you two? The simplest way to figure out your mistake is to ask, but there are other methods as well.
Talk to her friends
-- do they know how you insulted her? Replay the event in your head
-- did you say something off-hand that you didn't realize was offensive? -
Step 2: Apologize in person.
Pull her aside and let her know that you never meant to offend her.
Outline briefly what you meant to say and avoid making excuses
-- this is not the time to go on trial, it is the time to atone for your mistake.
Get your apology in as soon as possible
-- the longer you wait to say sorry the harder it will be to convince her that you mean it. , Do not apologize just to "get her off your back," as she'll see through it instantly.
Good ways to show your sincerity include:
Make eye contact.
Slightly bow your head.
Talk in a slow, calm, and measured voice.
Don't rush your apology to "get it over with."
This will show empathy and show that you are actually sorry.
If you simply say that you're sorry, you'll give the impression that you're only sorry about getting caught. , This simple show of humility is the most powerful thing you can do in an apology.
You made a mistake, knowingly or not, and you need to own up to your mistake to move on.
Why were you wrong? Do you understand why you were offensive? Let her know that you've learned from your mistake. "I'm so sorry I said that
-- I never meant to hurt you and I won't say it again." "I made a mistake thinking that was okay, it won't happen again."
The apology is her opportunity to tell you how you made her feel, and an opportunity for both of you to move forward.
Listen attentively and take her thoughts on board.
If you can, rephrase them back to her to show that you were listening.
This is why you need to get a few minutes to apologize to her. , While difficult, you need to come clean, say you're sorry, and hope that she forgives you.
If your mistake was accidental, chances are good she will be laugh off the misunderstanding and move on.
There is no more effective way to ask for forgiveness than a simple, "I'm sorry."
Once you've apologized, it's time to get your friendship back on track.
If you've accidentally offended her, the best you can do is apologize, admit your wrongdoing, and ask for forgiveness.
If she is unwilling to accept this, than give her some time to see that you are sincere.
However, don't feel like you need to bend over backwards to make things right
-- everyone makes mistakes, and she needs to be able to forgive you. -
Step 3: Be sincere in your apology.
-
Step 4: List the hurtful effects of your actions when you apologize.
-
Step 5: Admit your wrongdoing.
-
Step 6: Listen to her response.
-
Step 7: Ask for her forgiveness.
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Step 8: Move on.
Detailed Guide
Did your comment implicate someone she loved, like a family member or friend, accidentally? Did you bring up a story or event from her past that she would rather not talk about? Is there a simple misunderstanding between you two? The simplest way to figure out your mistake is to ask, but there are other methods as well.
Talk to her friends
-- do they know how you insulted her? Replay the event in your head
-- did you say something off-hand that you didn't realize was offensive?
Pull her aside and let her know that you never meant to offend her.
Outline briefly what you meant to say and avoid making excuses
-- this is not the time to go on trial, it is the time to atone for your mistake.
Get your apology in as soon as possible
-- the longer you wait to say sorry the harder it will be to convince her that you mean it. , Do not apologize just to "get her off your back," as she'll see through it instantly.
Good ways to show your sincerity include:
Make eye contact.
Slightly bow your head.
Talk in a slow, calm, and measured voice.
Don't rush your apology to "get it over with."
This will show empathy and show that you are actually sorry.
If you simply say that you're sorry, you'll give the impression that you're only sorry about getting caught. , This simple show of humility is the most powerful thing you can do in an apology.
You made a mistake, knowingly or not, and you need to own up to your mistake to move on.
Why were you wrong? Do you understand why you were offensive? Let her know that you've learned from your mistake. "I'm so sorry I said that
-- I never meant to hurt you and I won't say it again." "I made a mistake thinking that was okay, it won't happen again."
The apology is her opportunity to tell you how you made her feel, and an opportunity for both of you to move forward.
Listen attentively and take her thoughts on board.
If you can, rephrase them back to her to show that you were listening.
This is why you need to get a few minutes to apologize to her. , While difficult, you need to come clean, say you're sorry, and hope that she forgives you.
If your mistake was accidental, chances are good she will be laugh off the misunderstanding and move on.
There is no more effective way to ask for forgiveness than a simple, "I'm sorry."
Once you've apologized, it's time to get your friendship back on track.
If you've accidentally offended her, the best you can do is apologize, admit your wrongdoing, and ask for forgiveness.
If she is unwilling to accept this, than give her some time to see that you are sincere.
However, don't feel like you need to bend over backwards to make things right
-- everyone makes mistakes, and she needs to be able to forgive you.
About the Author
Donna Jordan
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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