“I’m Sorry If You Felt…”: A Guide to Good Apologies

Oh, I Like That

In this episode, we talk all about how to construct apologies that sincerely express empathy, regret for having messed up, and a promise to do better in the future. Once you’ve taken the time to really think about what you’re saying and why you’re saying it, offering a solid apology isn’t so elusive. We also talk about getting better at receiving apologies, an oft-overlooked aspect of the apology process.

P.S. On an upcoming episode we will be answering your questions about friendships—starting them, ending them, maintaining them, etc. If you have a question or need advice (or want to hear our thoughts about being or having a friend in 2021), we want you to ask us.

Email us your question at [e-mail]. Or you can record a voice memo and send that to us at [e-mail], and we will play your memo in the episode. Just make sure you tell us your name (and if you’re writing in, please let us know how to pronounce it) and your pronouns.

If you want to submit a question anonymously or would like to send us a voice memo but not have it played on the air, just let us know that too!

This episode was produced by Rachel and Sally and edited by Lucas Nguyen. Our logo was designed by Amber Seger (@rocketorca). Our theme music is by Tiny Music. MJ Brodie transcribed this episode. Follow us on Twitter @OhILikeThatPod.

Things we talked about:

• How to apologize Like a Goddamn Adult by Sally for BuzzFeed
• The Five Ingredients of an Effective Apology by Guy Winch, PhD
• Why Won't You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts by Harriet Lerner
• The Apology Language Quiz
• The Five Languages of Apology by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas
• The 5 Love Languages
• Boring Books for Bedtime podcast
• Everyday Dinners: Real-Life Recipes to Set Your Family Up for a Week of Success: A Cookbook by Jessica Merchant