According to a new study from Ohio State University, a true apology involves a lot more than just saying "I'm sorry." In a report in the journal Negotiation and Conflict Management Research scientists say they've broken down effective apologies to six basic elements -- and that two of them are by far the most important aspects. To be taken seriously when making an apology you must:

  1. Expressing regret
  2. Explaining what went wrong
  3. Acknowledging responsibility
  4. Declaring repentance
  5. Offering to repair
  6. Asking forgiveness

Your greatest chance of being granted forgiveness happens when you squeeze in all six. But if you're only going to do two, owning up to your mistake and offering to fix it are by far the most important of the group.

Source: Ohio State University


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