However, we must all admit that we make mistakes. No one likes to be portrayed as a failure. To accept responsibility, you must do so verbally and be willing to correct your error. It was my fault, I shouldn’t have acted the way I did.Īccepting responsibility means taking the blame and consequences that come with your actions. Regret is most clearly expressed when the person offering the apology reflects sincerity not only verbally, but also through body language. It is understood as a sincere commitment to repair and rebuild the relationship. It doesn’t make excuses or attempt to deflect blame. It’s acknowledging that your actions caused someone else pain and feeling bad about it.Įxpressing Regret zeroes in on emotional hurt by admitting guilt and shame for causing pain to another person. In its simplest form, Expressing Regret is just saying I’m sorry. In it, they present Five Apology Styles: Expressing Regret, Accepting Responsibility, Genuinely Repenting, Making Restitution, and Requesting Forgiveness.Ĭhapman and Thomas suggest we rely on the Five Love Languages to make restitution by assuring the injured party of our love for them.įor instance, if your partner’s Love Language is Gifts and her Apology Style is Making Restitution-consider making flowers part of your apology. Gary Chapman, creator of the Five Love Languages, also co-authored a book titled When Sorry Isn’t Enough: Making Things Right with Those You Love with Dr.

When Sorry Isn't Enough by Gary Chapman