What is an authentic apology?

Often one person will apologise to another, and the second person doesn't "hear" the apology, even though the words are said. Just saying ,"I'm sorry" often just doesn't cut it. So what is an authentic apology?

If you want you apology to be authentic, then you HAVE to make an effort NOT to repeat the behaviour. If you say, "I'm sorry" and then repeat the same behaviour the next day, your apology is unlikely to have any impact. You are just paying lip service- you are maybe not sorry at all. It is easy to say words you don't mean!

So in addition to not repeating the behaviour you are apologising for, there are 5 main languages of apology according to Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas in their book The 5 Apology Languages. What do you think of them?

·???????? Express regret

·???????? Accept responsibility

·???????? Make restitution

·???????? Genuinely repent

·???????? Request Forgiveness

The power of an using authentic apology to restore a relationship is HUGE! It helps the person who has been wronged into feeling really heard. They also receive that the other person feels truly sorry for what they have done and are aware of the damage they may have caused. When this is understood, it is far easier to move towards forgiveness.

If you have experienced a "weak' apology, how did it make you feel?