If your loved one's apology language is making restitution, they want you to make the situation right. "You pair the apology with an action to make up for what you did," Cook-McKay explains. "This is typically used to reach a compromise and to make things fair for both parties." If you don't know what you can do to make up for it, you can also ask what they want from you.
Making restitution examples:
- "I feel terrible that I broke your necklace. Can I pay for it to make it up to you?"
- "I'm so sorry that I lied to you. I know it's going to take time, but I want to do everything I can to earn your trust back."
- "I'm sorry I acted that way. What can I do to make up for it?"
