The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)

Apologizing is more than just saying you're sorry.

An effective apology has six (and a half) components according to Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, the authors of the book Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies:

1. the words "I'm sorry" or "I apologize"
2. the specific reason you're apologizing; the thing you did
3. an understanding of why your actions hurt another person
4. an explanation for why you did what you did (but don't make excuses)
5. a plan for how you will avoid this infraction again in the future
6. an offer to fix what's broken

Finally, listen to the person you hurt. That's the half step.