Seven sorry sins

According to communications firm Clarity Solutions, these are the most common apology pitfalls.

1. The blame game apology. “I am so sorry you are angry.” You are really passing the buck instead of addressing the issue. “I am so sorry I came home late last night and missed your birthday.”

2. The justification. “I’m sorry but. . .” This is a shameless defence of your actions by insinuating that you had no other option.

3. The passive-aggressive apology, which frames a fault as a virtue.“I am sorry if my honesty offends you but. . .” followed by a nasty statement.

4. The ambit apology which focuses on the lesser evil.“I am sorry for the inconvenience” instead of “I am so sorry I wrote off your car and injured your dog.”

5. The vacant apology.Where you clearly don’t mean it but feel obliged to go through the motions and usually begins with “I deeply regret the incident” or “I was very concerned. . .” Easy to pick because it’s all about you, not them.

6. The confessional. Full of remorse and self-flagellation when you’ve been caught out.

7. The grudging apology. The most pointless of all as every word and gesture is forced.

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