How to Apologize Effectively

What is the first step towards making a meaningful apology according to Dr. Tracey Marks?

• Acknowledging your responsibility

• Giving an explanation for what went wrong

• Expressing remorse

• Offering to make amends

Which of the following statements is an example of a bad apology?

• How can I make this right?

• I'm disappointed in myself for letting you down.

• I'm sorry I lashed out at you, but you made me so angry.

• I realized I shouldn't have shared your information with other people.

What does Dr. Tracey Marks suggest you do if you are angry and feel the other person shares blame?

• Ignore your feelings and apologize anyway

• Wait until you can process your feelings before discussing

• Immediately discuss your feelings

• Blame the other person openly

What is NOT a recommended way to express remorse in an apology?

• Admitting, 'I'm disappointed in myself for letting you down.'

• Acknowledging, 'I'm truly sorry for my actions.'

• Saying, 'I don't know what came over me.'

• Expressing, 'I won't let it happen again.'

According to Dr. Tracey Marks, what is the last step in making a meaningful apology?

• Offering to make amends

• Acknowledging your responsibility

• Giving an explanation for what went wrong

• Expressing remorse

What should you do if the person you're apologizing to does not receive it well?

• Blame them for not understanding

• Retract your apology

• Understand that you still did the right thing

• Insist they accept your apology

What is a sign that someone might be using your offenses as leverage against you?

• They accept your apology graciously

• They say, 'You'll always owe me.'

• They express their feelings openly

• They suggest ways to make amends

Why is it important to handle your offense and the other person's offense separately?

• To ensure both parties share blame equally

• To make the apology feel conditional on their responsibility

• To avoid apologizing altogether

• To focus on your own actions and apology first

What does a sincere apology involve, according to Dr. Tracey Marks?

• Defending your actions

• Shifting blame to the other person

• Acknowledging wrongdoing and expressing remorse

• Ignoring the impact of your actions

What should you consider if you're in a relationship where vulnerability is exploited?

• Continuing to apologize regardless

• Removing yourself from depleting situations

• Using offenses as leverage in return

• Avoiding apologies to prevent exploitation