Nobody likes messing up — that's a fact. But, unfortunately, upsetting the people closest to us [1] is, while uncomfortable, also completely unavoidable. That's why it's important to know how to apologise to your friends, family, and significant other in a sincere way that is personalized and filled with love. We won't deny that swallowing your pride for long enough to say your sorry really sucks, but it's an important stage of the forgiveness process; and as the old saying goes, if you do the crime, well, you've also got to do the time.
There are a few ways you can apologise [2]. The best place to start is with an honest conversation where you own your mistakes, don't make excuses, and also ask for forgiveness. But beyond telling someone you're sorry, it's important to also show them you're sorry — and that's where we come in. Ahead, see 50 ways to show someone you're sincerely sorry and work your way back into their heart.
Send a Bunch of Beautiful Flowers to Their House
Or a Bunch of Native or Dried Flowers That Will Last Even Longer
Make or Buy Tasty Chocolate Truffles as a Gift
Surprise Them With Brunch at Their Favourite Cafe
Treat Them to Breakfast in Bed
Send a Handmade Card Featuring a Joke Only They'll Understand
Borrow a Friend's Dog and "Gift" It to Them For the Day
Ask How You Can Make It Up to Them . . . Then Do That
Don't Make Excuses For Your Actions
Promise That You Won't Make the Same Mistake Again
Say Sorry . . . and Really Mean It
Bake Their Favourite Treat and Hand Deliver It
Plan a Surprise Picnic at a Scenic Location
Fill a Gift Box With Their Favourite-Coloured Skittle
Make a Bouquet Out of Their Favourite Dessert
Paint the Words "Sorry For Being a Prick" on a Potted Cactus
Treat Them to Dinner at Their Favourite Restaurant
Create a Playlist With All Their Favourite Songs
Hand Deliver a Coffee to Their House Before Work
Send Their Favourite Meal For Dinner as a Surprise
Leave Post-Its That Say "I'm Sorry" Around Their Apartment
Spell the Word "Sorry" on Their Doorstep With Their Favourite Candy
Organise a Pamper Day to Make Them Feel Special
Don't Blame Them For Your Bad Behaviour
Don't Make Them Come to You — Go to Them
Give Them Space If They Ask For It
Gift Them Love Heart Candy With the Words "I'm Sorry" on Them
Write a List of Creative Ways You'll Make It Up to Them
Decorate Cookies With the Word "Sorry"
Write a Handwritten Note Saying Sorry
Don't Expect to Be Forgiven Immediately
Text Them the Words "I'm Sorry" in a Different Language Every Day
Surprise Them With a Fun Day Out
Create a Cute, Custom Phone Background For Them
Hide Notes That Say "I'm Sorry" in the Pockets of Their Clothes
Ask How You Can Make Things Right
Book a Surfing Lesson and Spend the Day Laughing
Write a Poem Expressing How Sorry You Are
Write and Perform a Song to Say You Love Them
Be Honest About the Mistakes You've Made
Transform Your Outside Space Into a Cinema With Their Favourite Treats
Plan a Fun or Romantic Weekend Away
Re-create Their Favourite Meal at Home If You're on a Tighter Budget
Make Them a Heartfelt Apology Gift, Rather Than Buying One
Learn From Your Mistakes and Forgive Yourself, Too
Apologise in a Way That Matches Their Love Language
Commit to Spending More Time Doing the Things They Love
Be Patient With Them If It Takes Time to Be Forgiven