So many public apologies in the news lately from celebrities and politicians, and, let’s face it, they’re falling a little flat. Do we really not understand how to apologize anymore? It doesn’t seem so.  Just in case you need a reminder, or know someone else who could use one, here’s the 8 steps to a meaningful apology:

1. You do actually have to say the words “I’m sorry.”
2. There needs to be an acknowledgement that you messed up. (As in, “I take full responsibility for my words.”)
3. Tell the person how you plan to fix the situation.
4. Describe what happened, but without foisting the blame off on someone else (tricky!)
5. Promise you’ll behave better next time.
6. Make sure the person knows that you’re fully aware of how you hurt or inconvenienced them.
7. Much like the first rule, it’s important to use some version of the phrase “I was wrong.”
8. Ask for forgiveness.