5 Components of an Apology - According to the Research Express Regret - “I’m sorry” AND what you are sorry for. For example: “I’m so sorry that I blamed you. I know it wasn’t your fault.” Accept Responsibility - “I take responsibility for what happened” or “What I did was wrong.” Make Amends - “What can I do to make it up to you?”, “How can I make this right?” Expressing a Desire to Change - “I’m going to do my best not to do that again.” Asking for Forgiveness - “I feel terrible about what happened. Will you forgive me?”