Apology is not for the faint of heart, but then, neither is life.
An apology informed is good; an apology performed is better.
Apology may be scorned, but it retains its inherent value.
Apologies have more power than most of us realize to restore strained relationships, free us from vengeful impulses, and create possibilities for growth.
An effective apology contains within it the answer to the question, "How am I to be held accountable?"
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.