Genuinely repenting means acknowledging the hurt you caused and working to do better next time. "This involves putting yourself on the receiving end of what you did in order to realize the impact of what you said or did," Cook-McKay says. "You acknowledge the emotional hurt that was created by what you did."
Genuinely repenting examples:
- "I'm so sorry I embarrassed you in front of our friends. I will do my best to never do it again. Next time, I'll be more thoughtful before speaking."
- "I saw how much it hurt you when I spoke that way and I'm sorry. I understand why that was so painful to hear."
- "I know how much you were looking forward to this weekend and I'm so sorry I spoiled it. I understand why you've been so angry with me."
