Your apology
Ready when you are
Fill in a couple of fields on the left and your apology will appear here, updating as you type. Then copy it — or better, use it as your script and say it out loud.
What makes an apology land
Four things: it names the specific thing you did, it owns the choice without a single "but", it acknowledges how the other person experienced it, and it asks for nothing — not forgiveness, not a quick reply, not reassurance. Changed behavior afterward is the part people remember most; the words just open the door.
Phrases that quietly ruin an apology
"I'm sorry you feel that way" apologizes for their feelings, not your action. "I'm sorry, but…" means everything after the "but" is an excuse. "Fine, I'm sorry, happy now?" is scorekeeping, not repair. This builder never writes any of them — and if you're delivering it in person, keep them out of your voice too.
If you can, say it in person
A written apology is a real apology, and sending it is far better than silence. But if the relationship matters and you can manage it, use this draft as your script for a conversation or a call. Tone of voice carries sincerity that text can't. Either way: don't wait for the perfect moment. A good apology delivered today beats a perfect one delivered never.