"Sorry, my mistake. It won't happen again. Please forgive me."
Social psychologist Steven Scher of Eastern Illinois has noted five main elements of apologies:
1. A simple expression of regret ("I'm sorry," "I apologize," "Excuse me").
2. An explanation or account of the cause that brought about the violation ("I forgot to call you the other day with the information").
3. An expression of responsibility ("What I did was wrong").
4. A promise of repentance ("I won't do it again").
5. An offer of repair ("What can I do to make it up to you?").
Naturally, it's the mere act of apologizing and the sincerity - not the actual words - that make the gesture work.
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