How to apologize

Co-authors Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy break down the six (and a half) steps to great apologies. They are:

Say you’re sorry. Not that you “regret,” not that you are “devastated.” Say you’re “sorry.”
Say what it is that you’re apologizing for. Be specific.
Show you understand why it was bad, take ownership, and show that you understand why you caused hurt.
Don’t make excuses.
Say why it won’t happen again. What steps are you taking?
If it’s relevant, make reparations: “I’m going to pay for the dry cleaning. Just send the bill to me. I’m going to do my best to fix what I did.”