How to Apologize To Your Partner After a Hurtful Action?

Apologizing can be the hardest thing to do after making a mistake. It can be more difficult than losing your temper or starting an argument that escalates in a negative way. But taking responsibility for your actions, even after a hurtful act, is necessary for any healthy relationship. While seemingly daunting, there are effective ways to apologize to your partner for what you’ve done.

Firstly, take accountability and offer a sincere apology. Do not try to gloss over or minimize the mistake. Instead, own up to it and try to make amends. This can take the form of saying “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that” or “Please forgive me for not listening to you.” Being transparent about your mistake and proving you understand the impact of it is key for a successful apology and reconciliation with your partner.

The second step is to reflect on why you made the mistake in the first place. Consider factors like how you were feeling in the moment, whether it was a habit reaction, or even if there was an issue at home that caused you to act out in a hurtful manner. Often when we take the time to reflect and label our feelings, we start to get to the root of any negative behavior.

Thirdly, start to put into words how you plan to fix the problem. Show your sincerity by proposing a way to repair the damage with words such as, “Let me know what I can do to make it up to you,” or “I'll try to be more transparent and understanding going forward.”

Don’t rush the process of forgiving yourself. After healing the hurt and putting yourself in the shoes of your partner, take the time to recognize and be kind to yourself. This can feel paradoxically harder in many instances, but it is also essential in order to close the loop of the apology. Sending yourself gratitude for placing the responsibility back on yourself, even if it was tough, can be the last step.

By following these steps, your apology has a much bigger chance of being successful and your partner will be better equipped to forgive and heal with you.