I think a lot of people lately are way too specific about what apologies should contain and it just keeps the person hurt in a place of hurt. Many psychologists seem to be reinforcing this.
Usually, it’s difficult for someone to apologize, especially if they specifically reach out to do it, and it isn’t just during a disagreement where someone throws out an “I’m sorry.”
So, I guess I’m more concerned about how people receive apologies than say them. When someone apologizes to me, most often I try to release them from the regret and stress they are feeling if it is something minor like an invitation oversight.
Obviously, some things are very serious hurts, and apologies are more serious also when this is the case.
I try to listen to what people who have strict rules for apologies require, so I can learn what to say, so I’m going to follow this Q. What I do know is when I apologize I mean it, whether I worded it perfectly or not. I feel badly, I may have made a true mistake, I realize I was wrong, and I hope the other person will forgive me, and I hope they are able to not feel hurt anymore.
I guess I would say be honest. Explain your remorse, state what you did wrong, so they know you understand it. Supposedly, you aren’t supposed to explain why (Sounds like an excuse I guess) but I don’t always fully agree with this, because for me understanding why sometimes helps.