Learning About Apology Languages Will Make Your "Sorry" Actually Stick

This apology language is all about telling the person you're in conflict with that you wish you hadn't caused them pain. "Either you or your loved one acknowledge the pain you've caused to the other, and you express your regret for that," Cook-McKay explains. This could be your apology language if you feel really seen and validated when someone expressed regret for something they did to hurt you, which then allows you to forgive and move on.

Expressing regret examples:

• "I'm so embarrassed I spoke poorly of you in front of our coworkers."
• "I'm ashamed I hurt your feelings again."
• "I feel so bad for forgetting about our plans."