Dear Neil: I think I owe my boyfriend an apology for repeatedly getting angry with him, being demanding and selfish, insulting him and generally treating him poorly.
I’ve never been very good at apologizing to people—it makes me feel weak, bad and full of shame. How do I apologize to him effectively?
Fearful in Vail, Colorado
Dear Fearful: Scan the list below, courtesy of Ron Potter-Efron in the book Stop The Anger Now (New Harbinger), and see if you can identify some of the reasons you have trouble admitting your mistakes and apologizing.
I have trouble apologizing (or accepting an apology) because:
- I hate to admit to others I said or did something wrong
- I am afraid people will laugh at or ridicule me if I admit I made a mistake
- I can’t stand being less than perfect
- I’d be giving up power and control if I admitted I was wrong
- I want to keep fighting rather than actually solve problems. It’s familiar, and therefore comfortable and safe
- I’d feel bad, guilty or ashamed if I admitted that I screwed up
- I’d rather stay mad than give up my anger
Apology, which some people fear as a sign of weakness, is actually an expression of strength and courage. A sincere apology makes it much easier to forgive a person who has wronged you, and to let go of your hurt, anger, desire for retribution and desire to keep your distance from the other person. People who are able to apologize tend to have healthier marriages or relationships, carry less anger and hostility around, and generally feel better about themselves.
A meaningful apology depends on the three R’s: regret, responsibility and remedy, says Beverly Engel, author of The Power of Apology.
- Regret conveys empathy for the other person, acknowledging the damage, hurt or inconvenience you caused. “I know I hurt you with my anger and reactivity. I’m truly sorry for the pain I caused you.”
- Accepting Responsibility makes the apology effective. Avoid making excuses or blaming the other person. “I reacted unfairly toward you, and you didn’t deserve that. Please forgive me.”
- Remedy means that you make a statement of willingness to remedy the situation. “I’d like to enter therapy and understand why I react with so much anger. In the meantime, I will commit to communicating with you without anger, reactivity or blame. I’d truly like a more effective, friendly and trusting way of communicating my disappointment to you.”
Make your apology genuine and sincere, and keep your promises. Think of an apology as a bridge connecting past mistakes with future good conduct, advises Potter-Efron. He says your apology is only worth as much as your next action. For instance, if you tell your boyfriend that you’re sorry for insulting him, and then insult him the next day, you undermine your credibility and the trust between the two of you.
Don’t insist that the other person accept your apology, and don’t expect him/her to forgive you or to apologize back. Apologies must come with no strings attached, or they will only lead to more bad feelings.
A true apology—which asks for nothing in return and offers no excuses or blame—is a great gift and it goes a long way in healing hurt emotions. If possible, make your apology in person, and look your boyfriend in the eye as you talk.