It is helpful to know how to accept an apology in writing.You may need to learn this skill if you communicate with your supervisors via email.In-person or phone contact may be difficult if you have friends and relatives in other locations.The letter or email you write to acknowledge and accept an apology can have important repercussions for your relationship, so it is important to take your time and carefully think through what you will write.
Step 1: Listen carefully and calmly as the apology is read.
Wait until you can calmly reflect on what the person has.If you listen or read with an open mind, you will be entertained by the other person's perspective.You need some time to process an apology, so tell the person you appreciate it.Before you try to assess the apology, take some time to calm yourself down.Deep breathing will help you regain your composure.It is important to give an apology your full consideration, even if it is from a friend or family member.If the person has written you an apology letter, it's a good idea to find a quiet place to read it.
Step 2: Determine if the apology is sincere.
An apology should acknowledge the person has done something wrong and show regret.A true apology will show that the person is taking responsibility for their actions.A false apology can be either on to you or someone else."I'm sorry if you felt offended" is not a true apology.They are not apologizing for their own actions.An apology may be a disguise.A person can slip into an explanation for why they did it without saying they are sorry.If possible, the person should offer to fix the situation.An apology might include an offer to replace any plants that died as a result of neglect, if you asked them to water your house plants while you were away.
Step 3: Please forgive.
It is in your best interests to forgive even if the apology is poor.You can release your negative emotions by crying, writing in a journal, or talking with a friend or therapist.Depending on the situation, forgiveness can take days, months, or even years.Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or moving forward without consequences.It means letting go of feelings of hurt and anger.It doesn't mean that you have to keep in touch with the person.You can forgive someone if they cause offense or hurt, but you can also end your relationship with them.
Step 4: You can open your letter with a greeting.
If the person is a colleague or professional contact, you can try a more formal greeting, such as, "Dear Professor Thomas."
Step 5: The apology should be acknowledged in the opening sentence.
It is possible to use a formal or casual tone."Thank you for your apology" is an appropriate formal response for business dealings.You can be more informal in your response if the apology comes from a friend or family member.If you aren't ready to move forward, acknowledge their apology by stating: "I appreciate your apology, but I am unable to accept it at this time."You do not want to get caught up in crafting a response that is not real.
Step 6: Tell us how you feel about the situation in the letter.
The person should not be left guessing.Let them know why you were upset by their apology.You should be clear in your writing.Explain what the situation meant to you and how it affected you.You can write, "I am glad you apologized."It hurt my feelings when you made a joke at my expense.I wish you hadn't done it, but I'm ready to move on.I am trying to move past this but it has affected how I feel about our relationship.I need more time to think.
Step 7: If appropriate, acknowledge your contribution.
Sometimes the problem is someone else's fault, but it may be that both parties made some mistakes.Take responsibility where it makes sense if this applies to your situation.It was unfair for you to say that about me, but I should not have retaliated.
Step 8: A clear plan for the future of your relationship is needed to close the body of the letter.
If you want to end the relationship, make it clear.Let them know that you're ready to move on from the incident.Let the person know you will no longer be working with them if it is a business relationship.If it's a more personal relationship, you should let them know if you want to see them or talk to them again.You can try: "I am ready to put this behind us and move forward."One approach is to say: "While I accept your apology, this incident has made me re-evaluate our business arrangement and I will not be renewing your contract at the end of this month."
Step 9: A closing that matches the tone of your reply is what you should end your letter with.
If you are telling someone that you can't accept their apology or continue your relationship with them, sign off with a closing that is not familiar.Try using either "sincerely" or "regards" in this case.Best wishes or warm regards can be used for a more positive closing.
Step 10: The apology acceptance letter can be sent by mail or email.
If the email or letter gets lost, it's a good idea to ask the recipient or the mail service to confirm receipt.