MESSAGES TO SAY‘I’M SORRY’

As the song goes ‘sorry seems to be the hardest word’. Apologising can be tough, but it’s important when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings. Whether it’s a casual “Sorry, I forgot” or a heartfelt “I’m deeply sorry for your loss,” finding the right way to apologise can make all the difference.

If you’re struggling to find the right way to say I’m sorry, you’re not alone. After all, it takes strength and integrity to admit when you’re wrong but when done sincerely it can mend relationships and rebuild trust.

To help you navigate those tricky moments, here’s our guide to finding the right words.

Simple messages to say 'I'm sorry'

Saying sorry doesn’t always have to be a big gesture and a simple apology can be enough to make all the difference.

Here are a few examples:

• I just wanted to say how truly sorry I am.

• I’m wrong, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.

• I can’t imagine how hurt you must feel. I’m so sorry.

• I made a huge mistake. I promise it won’t happen again.

• Your feelings matter deeply and I’m sorry for everything. Please forgive me.

• You are an incredible person, and you don’t deserve any of this. Please accept my apology.

Messages to say 'Sorry for your loss'

Losing someone is always a difficult time. If you want to reach out and offer words of comfort, you’ll want to find the right way to let them know just how much you care.

These words should help you to convey everything you feel, but you can also check out our guide to sympathy messages.

• I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

• I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I know how close you were, and I hope it brings some comfort to know that (Name) is at peace now.

• I’m so sorry for your loss. (Name) was a brilliant (relationship to that person) and such a delight to be around. We will all miss (her/him) deeply and your sadness is shared by all who knew them.

• Do you remember the time (share a warm memory of the person)? It’s a special moment that will always be in my heart. Remember we are all thinking of you at this difficult time and will be here for whenever you need us.

• Whenever you need me, I’m here to support you during these hard times. Whenever you’re ready, call me and I will be there to help in any way I can.

Apology messages

We all make mistakes, it’s part of being human. Sometimes, the best, and most heartfelt, way to apologise is by writing a letter. But what do you include that makes it sound sincere.

Here are some thoughtful ways to express your regret:

• Whenever I’m an idiot, you are always there to sort me out. I realise now that I’ve gone too far this time. I'm truly sorry for messing up and it hurts me to know what pain I have caused you. I promise I will do better but I can only do this with you by my side. Please forgive me.

• I know it won’t be easy for you to forgive me, but I want to take responsibility and apologise sincerely for what happened. I have reflected on my mistake and now I want to fix it. Please give me this chance.

• You’re so special to me and I am deeply sorry for having upset you. This was entirely my fault and I value our relationship more than anything in the world. I want to make things right, and can only hope that with time, we can work through this and move forward together.

• I have truly let you down. I want you to know that I never intended for any of this to happen and I am so sorry that it got to this point. You mean so much to me and it would break me to lose you. I can only wish you would forgive me.

• No words can undo the hurt I’ve caused, but I want you to know that I’m committed to making things right from this moment forward. Please give me the chance to make it up to you.

Sorry and forgiveness quotes

A little stuck on how best to say sorry and ask for forgiveness? Sometimes the wisdom of others can inspire us to express what’s in our hearts.

Take some inspiration from these quotes:

• Apologies aren’t meant to change the past; they are meant to change the future.” – Kevin Hancock

• "Never forget the nine most important words of any family: I love you. You are beautiful. Please forgive me." - Jackson Brown Jr

• “When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.” ― Katherine Ponder

• “Sorry means you leave yourself open, to embrace or to ridicule or to revenge. Sorry is a question that begs forgiveness, because the metronome of a good heart won’t settle until things are set right and true. Sorry doesn’t take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It’s an offering. A gift” – Craig Silvey

• “Forgiveness isn’t approving what happened. It’s choosing to rise above it.” – Robin Sharma

Messages to say 'sorry you're leaving'

Whether they are leaving for pastures new or retiring, saying goodbye is never easy, especially to someone who has been a big part of your life or workplace. If you don’t say something meaningful now, you’ll always regret it.

If you’re stuck on what to say, here are some thoughtful messages to send them off with good wishes:

• You have been such a valuable part of the team and we’ll all miss you so much. Good luck in the next role, you’ll be amazing.

• Do you really have to leave us? We’ll miss you so much! Don’t be a stranger, keep in touch, and let us know how you’re doing.

• Your new adventure awaits! I’m incredibly excited for everything that lies ahead but, before you go, I want you to know how much we will all miss you.

• What a difference you’ve made here. Sorry that you’re leaving. I wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future. You’ll be missed!

• Is it time for you to leave already? How time flies. It feels just like yesterday that you were (personalise with a memory or milestone). Best wishes on this exciting new chapter. Don’t be a stranger and remember, we love you!

Funny ways to say sorry

Not every apology needs to be serious, it can be a fantastic way to lighten up the mood. Whether you’re apologising for eating the last piece of cake, unplugging the Wi-Fi or having a little disagreement, a funny apology can make them smile.

Why not try one of these:

• Sorry for being a silly sausage. You were right – as always. Will you forgive me?

• Oops, my bad, I’m sorry for (what you did). It was just too tempting, and I couldn’t resist. I promise to work on my self-control… tomorrow.

• Yep, guilty as charged! I owe you a big hug and fine I’ll cook and do the dishes tonight.

• I solemnly swear I’ll never (what you did) again… unless it involves (something you love).

• Sorry, but you know my weaknesses!

• Sorry, I messed up big time! I’ve already started writing my apology letter. Step one: you’re amazing. Step two: I’m an idiot. Step three: Let me make it up to you with a takeout!

What to write in a sorry card

Of course, the best way to truly say sorry is to send a bouquet of flowers.

If you need some "I’m sorry" suggestions to write on the card, how about one of these:

• I’m so sorry to hear what happened. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time, we are keeping you in our thoughts and we’re always here if you need anything.

• I would like to apologise for my mistake. There is no excuse for my actions, especially toward someone as special as you. I hope these flowers remind you how much I care. I’m truly sorry.

• If I could turn back time, I would do everything differently. I feel so sad about the whole situation and can only hope these flowers bring you a little brightness. Please know I’m thinking of you and I’m sorry/

• Please accept these flowers as a gesture of my apology. I never intended to upset you and deeply regret my words and actions. I hope you can forgive me.

• I hope you enjoy the flowers... and can I move back upstairs now? Sleeping on the sofa is killing my back! Nothing beats cuddling with you. I’m sorry for messing up.