While a genuine apology might help to repair a relationship, many people are hesitant or unable to take this step. It might be challenging and embarrassing to admit you were incorrect. However, if you want to restore the other person's trust in you, then you should try. The goal of an apology is not just to make things better between you and your recipient but also to show that you are willing to change. You should never send a one-way apology. This means that you should send a follow-up email or call to let them know that you have been thinking about what they said and will work to resolve the issue in a more permanent way. An effective apology involves three elements: acknowledgement, acceptance, and responsibility. You should start by acknowledging what happened and how it makes the recipient feel. Next, you need to accept the fact that you did something wrong. Finally, consider how this incident can be avoided in the future. If you have acted inappropriately before, you might want to consider seeking counseling or training courses to help you communicate better. After you have expressed your apologies, be sure to follow up with a phone call or email. This shows that you are still committed to repairing the damage and that you are willing to change as well.