Sample Apology Letters
Sample apology letters cover a few specific parts of saying "I'm sorry", but don't belabor the point too long. Giving your regrets and apologies can be hard for both the one saying and hearing "sorry", so it can be uncomfortable and tense. Writing a note of apology is a good way to break the ice.
With that in mind, here is a sample apology letter.
Address the Person You're Apologizing To
Start with a "Dear ___,", clearly stating who it is you're apologizing to. If you're mailing the letter, clearly mark the name of the person you're addressing the apology to. If you are handing it to the person, hand the apology note directly to that person, and no one else.
Use the personal first name of the person, instead of a pet name or nickname, unless the nickname is the only name anyone ever refers to this person as.
Sample of an Apology Opening
Mention the incident you are apologizing for. This should be the opening sentence of the latter. Saying something like, "I'm writing to apologize for calling you jerk" or "I'm writing to apologize for breaking the window of your car", but be specific about what it is you're apologizing for.
Sometimes, the aggrieved person is angry about something other than what you expect. When you're specific, it opens communication and starts to clear the air.
Sample of an Apology
Once you have mentioned what you are apologizing for, make your formal apology. Write to the person, "I apologize for calling you a jerk" or "I am sorry for breaking the window of your car".
Write a sentence or two more to show your sincerity, mentioning something like, "I know this caused you pain and distress" or "I feel terrible about what happened". You might combine the two, depending on how you actually feel about the situation.
Sample of an Explanation
After making your apology, explain the thought process that went into your hurtful actions or words. Don't seek to justify or excuse your actions, because that's only going to make it look like you are blaming someone else, or even the person you're apologizing to. Instead, explain your emotions and inner thoughts, but do your best to leave others out of your explanation.
This shouldn't get too detailed, but should try to explain why it is you felt justified doing or saying what you did or said at the time. Reiterate that you were completely wrong in doing so.
Discuss Making Amends - Sample
Once you have explained briefly your conduct, tell your friend or girlfriend that you want to do what it takes to atone for your actions, and explain to them how much this relationship means to you. Let them know you want to atone or make amends for what you did.
In the case of the two examples I gave above, there two completely different ways to make amends. If you called the person a jerk or did something emotionally hurtful, make amends by saying you'll never say those things again, sincerely mean that you'll never say those things, then follow through on your promise.
That is, if you say you'll never do something again, keep your word. Otherwise, your apology is meaningless and you'll cause even more hurt the next time you do the same thing. Also, the person won't believe a second apology for the same offense - and rightly so.
In the example of destroying the window in their car (or some other case where you damaged property or otherwise caused material harm), offer to pay for the damages and then do exactly that. Once again, making amends involves making things right. If you never atone for what you did, the apology was insincere and incomplete.
Example of an Ending
Once you're finished with that, once again say you're sorry or exhibit regret, then end the letter. Finish with a simple ending and use the same name you used in the greeting, if you address the person by name once more.
The salutation should be something like "Sincerely", "Yours Truly", "Your Friend" (in case of friendship) or "Love" (in case of a love/family relationship). Then sign your name.
Apology Letter Examples
When considering apology letter examples, remember that your letter doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to cover the subject and be sincere. Make sure the person is under no uncertain terms about what you're apologizing about, and that you made an apology. Once you do that, you've done all you can. The next time you meet face-to-face, be appropriately sincere and acknowledge you made an apology, then move on with the relationship.