An effective apology focuses more on compassion for the victim than redemption for the offender.

When I accept an apology it means that the part in me that honors our relationship honors the part in you that honors our relationship.

Apology is the most courageous gesture we can make to ourselves.

Apology sends the clearest signal that we have the strength of character to reconcile ourselves with the truth.

Apology calls for a willingness to sacrifice on behalf of the wronged party and the inherent value of the relationship, not for what it brings to you but for what you can bring to it.

Apologies have more power than most of us realize to restore strained relationships, free us from vengeful impulses, and create possibilities for growth.

"I would like to apologize" may sound like an apology, but it is no more an actual apology than saying "I would like to lose weight" makes you suddenly slimmer.