I'll give it a shot, "I thought I apologized already, but whatever…"
🚫 Conditional apologies:
- "I'm sorry if..."
- "I'm sorry but..."
- "I'm sorry for [not the main thing you should be apologizing for]..."
🚫 Apologizing on behalf of the recipient:
- "I'm sorry you feel that way"
- "I'm sorry you came to that conclusion"
🚫 Insulting the intelligence of the recipient by way of apology:
- "I'm sorry for not being more clear"
- "I'm sorry about being so misleading"
🚫 Non-apologies:
- "I apologize for..."
- "It's regrettable that..."
- "It was terrible to..."
When in doubt, keep it simple. Get the main apology out ASAP, then carefully start saying your piece afterward. Focus on yourself if the situation demands explaining yourself (many don't). Be extremely careful to speak only constructively about other individuals during the apology (if you can't say something nice...).
For example: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
I am 100% right, but since saying "sorry" is the only way you might shut up...
Waiting until it's "water under the bridge" and then apologizing because no amends have to be made and it still makes them look better. I'm no expert on apologies as a Reddit post of mine gives away, but one thing I'm sure of is an apology is supposed to be diplomatic.
Side note, I have decided this is the best way to apologize to me. Nothing else is necessary.
I have made a severe lapse of my judgement and don't expect to be forgiven.
