This apology language is pretty straightforward. To request forgiveness, you simply ask the other person to forgive you for what you've done. "This apology language asks a direct question and gives the power to the person you hurt to accept your apology," Cook-McKay explains. You may also want to add something along the lines of "but it's up to you" when asking, because you don't want to force or beg them to forgive you — it's their call.
Requesting forgiveness examples:
- "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, but I understand if you can't right now."
- "I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?"
- "I want to ask for your forgiveness, but I get it if you're not there yet."
