We’ve all been there. Cooling off after a heated argument thinking about the things that were said and the mistakes that were made.

Admitting you were wrong and apologizing isn’t always the easiest thing to do but it can do wonders to repair your relationship. It just has to be done the right way so your partner knows you really mean it. 

Sometimes saying the words I’m sorry isn’t enough. Your apology needs to go beyond that. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when making a sincere and meaningful apology.

Consider the tone

Even the kindest, nicest words won’t do much good if they are said in the wrong tone of voice.

After a fight, there might be some residual feelings left and the angry, irritated, or snarky attitude can be heard in the apology.

This tone could potentially create an additional problem. So, instead of ending an argument, you can start a whole new one.

If you’re not ready to apologize right away, take some time to compose yourself. Your apology, and perhaps your relationship, will be better for it.

Take responsibility for your actions

Owning up to your mistakes and admitting you are in the wrong will show you’re a mature person who is prepared to grow, learn, and change.

By admitting your mistake, you’re taking the first step to resolving the problem and making a meaningful apology.

However, don’t take the blame for the things that are not your fault. Both people need to stand by their role in the argument. Otherwise, you’re just passing the blame amongst yourselves and nothing gets resolved.

Acknowledge their feelings

There are two people in a relationship and two sides of the story in every argument. Your partner’s feelings are as valid as yours. And everyone wants to be understood and heard.

Showing empathy in these (and other) situations will demonstrate just how invested you are and how much you care about others.

This doesn’t come naturally for everyone but luckily you can develop and improve your empathy by putting your ego aside and trying to see things from their perspective.

The power of empathy truly is a base of a long-lasting and nurturing relationship.

Get to the point

Instead of beating around the bush try getting to the point of the issue right away. Try to figure out the deeper issue (if there’s any)and address it.

Good and open communication is key to every healthy relationship. It is something that requires constant work, compromise, and understanding. There are always ways of improving your communication skills.

Apology gifts

At times, a small and heartfelt token of affection can add some flare to your apology. However, keep in mind that the gift can’t replace an apology, it can only supplement it. A gift can gladden your partner, making them more likely to hear what you have to say.

Even with a super busy schedule, there are ways to surprise your significant other. Online flower delivery in Dubai offers amazing flower arrangements and other types of gifts delivered to your address without you ever leaving the comfort of your home.

A personalized gift is a perfect opportunity to show your partner how much you care and how much you know and value them.

Be patient

Usually, our first instinct is the need for everything to go back to normal as soon as possible.

However, with long-term, deep-rooted problems there is no quick and easy fix. We all process things differently and your partner might need more time to deal with a problem.

Sometimes your partner is not quite ready to forgive and forget. By pressuring them you can accomplish the opposite effect and prolonge the problem even further.

In that case, you need to be patient and give it some time. In certain situations, that is the only thing you can do.

Just be sure that your significant other knows you are still there for them once they feel ready to build trust, connection, and communication again. It is great proof of your sincere commitment.

Change

Saying the necessary words won’t mean much unless you show it’s more than just empty promises. That means trying not to repeat the same mistakes.

Make a plan to change your behaviour and be ready to follow through. Otherwise, you will fall back to old patterns and be stuck in the same place.

That way there is no room in your relationship for progress. And a healthy relationship needs to grow over time and some effort has to be made in order for that to happen.

In conclusion

Knowing how and when to apologize is an unavoidable part of any relationship.

It might take a bit of time and practise but you’ll get there. And in the meantime, your partner will see that you’re making an effort, showing them just how important the relationship is to you.