But people have different ways of apologizing.
When saying youre sorry to someone, it might help to stick to their apology language.
In some ways, we all communicate differently.
The way I express sympathy, regret, or love might not exactly match up to yours.
Lets say I spill coffee on your shoes and dryly say, Sorry.
Ill buy you new shoes.
You may have heard of Gary ChapmansThe 5 Love Languages.
The title admittedly sounds cheesy, but the concept itself is pretty insightful.
Essentially, it involves showing your partner you love them the way that matters tothemmost.
It expresses regret, guilt, or shame.
Accepting responsibility: The apology admits fault.
Genuine repentance: Theres a promise to change.
Requesting forgiveness: The apology lets the person on the receiving end allow the relationship to be repaired.
Making restitution: Includes a plan for rectifying the situation.
When you do, you might edit your apology to fit their language better.
When its a coworker or someone you dont know very well, it might be a bit more difficult.
In this case, consider writer Stever Robbins suggestion to be mindful of all five languages when youre apologizing.
This is just a method for being a little more sympathetic.
If someone isnt using your method, they may be just as sincere using their own.
Check out more of what Robbins has to say about these languages at the link below.
How to Use the 5 Apology Languages| Quick and Dirty Tips
Photo bygeralt.
