to see the situation from a partner's point of view. Try to understand why the other person is so upset -- directly acknowledge his or her feelings ("you are angry, hurt, confused") and his or her interpretation of the situation ("and, you have every right to be upset, because what I did was wrong.") You basically have to agree that the other person's feelings are legitimate and fair -- let the other person know that you get it. If you can do this, trust is going to be much easier to regain. If you can make someone feel understood when they are upset, they are more likely to... * calm down * forgive you * feel closer * listen to your side of the story... If you don't take the time to understand your partner's feelings, rebuilding trust is much more difficult to do. But, once you make a partner feel understood, it becomes possible to offer an effective apology. About the Author : Timothy Cole, PhD. If you want to learn more about how to rebuild trust in a close relationship, please visit Rebuild Trust . Like It ? Please Thumbs Up !! Meta Enter the Parenting Help - Relationship Advice Forum and share relationship insights and ask relationship questions in these message boards. As you will discover in these message boards, the relationship remains the important foundation in which we draw our meaning in life and remains significant forever! Communicate with Jay Krunszyinsky and other Relationship Advice &