If you've already reacted
Reacting badly isn't the end of a relationship — an unrepaired rupture is. Done genuinely, repair usually leaves things stronger than before.
Reaching out after a rupture is brave. The fact that you care enough to repair says a lot about you.
1. Recognize what happened
Describe what you did, plainly, without the backstory.
2. Take responsibility
Own the behaviour without excusing it or explaining it away.
3. Apologize for the impact
Name the effect on them, not your intention.
4. Say what you'll do differently
One specific, doable change.
5. Follow through
What will follow-through actually look like this week?
Your repair, put together
Read it out loud once before you send or say it.
Fill in the steps above and your repair will assemble here.
Skip “I’m sorry you felt that way” and “but you started it”. Apologize for the impact, not your intention — and only promise what you can actually do.