50 Ways to Show Someone You're Sincerely Sorry

Getty | Thomas Barwick

Nobody likes messing up — that's a fact. But, unfortunately, upsetting the people closest to us is, while uncomfortable, also completely unavoidable. That's why it's important to know how to apologize 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 apologize. 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.

01

Send a Bunch of Beautiful Flowers to Their House

02

Or a Bunch of Native or Dried Flowers That Will Last Even Longer

03

Make or Buy Tasty Chocolate Truffles as a Gift

04

Surprise Them With Brunch at Their Favorite Cafe

05

Treat Them to Breakfast in Bed

06

Send a Handmade Card Featuring a Joke Only They'll Understand

07

Borrow a Friend's Dog and "Gift" It to Them For the Day

08

Own Up to What You Did

09

Ask How You Can Make It Up to Them . . . Then Do That

10

Don't Make Excuses For Your Actions

11

Promise That You Won't Make the Same Mistake Again

12

Say Sorry . . . and Really Mean It

13

Bake Their Favorite Treat and Hand Deliver It

14

Plan a Surprise Picnic at a Scenic Location

15

Fill a Gift Box With Their Favorite-Colored Skittle

16

Make a Bouquet Out of Their Favorite Dessert

17

Paint the Words "Sorry For Being a Prick" on a Potted Cactus

18

Treat Them to Dinner at Their Favorite Restaurant

19

Create a Playlist With All Their Favorite Songs

20

Hand Deliver a Coffee to Their House Before Work

21

Send Their Favorite Meal For Dinner as a Surprise

22

Leave Post-Its That Say "I'm Sorry" Around Their Apartment

23

Spell the Word "Sorry" on Their Doorstep With Their Favorite Candy

24

Organize a Pamper Day to Make Them Feel Special

25

Don't Blame Them For Your Bad Behavior

26

Don't Make Them Come to You — Go to Them

27

Give Them Space If They Ask For It

28

Gift Them Love Heart Candy With the Words "I'm Sorry" on Them

29

Write a List of Creative Ways You'll Make It Up to Them

30

Ask For Forgiveness

31

Decorate Cookies With the Word "Sorry"

32

Write a Handwritten Note Saying Sorry

33

Don't Expect to Be Forgiven Immediately

34

Text Them the Words "I'm Sorry" in a Different Language Every Day

35

Surprise Them With a Fun Day Out

36

Create a Cute, Custom Phone Background For Them

37

Hide Notes That Say "I'm Sorry" in the Pockets of Their Clothes

38

Ask How You Can Make Things Right

39

Book a Surfing Lesson and Spend the Day Laughing

40

Write a Poem Expressing How Sorry You Are

41

Write and Perform a Song to Say You Love Them

42

Be Honest About the Mistakes You've Made

43

Transform Your Outside Space Into a Cinema With Their Favorite Treats

44

Plan a Fun or Romantic Weekend Away

45

Re-create Their Favorite Meal at Home If You're on a Tighter Budget

46

Make Them a Heartfelt Apology Gift, Rather Than Buying One

47

Learn From Your Mistakes and Forgive Yourself, Too

48

Apologize in a Way That Matches Their Love Language

49

Commit to Spending More Time Doing the Things They Love

50

Be Patient With Them If It Takes Time to Be Forgiven

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