There's nothing worse than an insincere apology. In fact an insincere apology enrages me even more.

How to spot an insincere apology?

It's the ones with the "if" and "but" following the "I'm sorry."

For example:-
"I'm sorry but you misunderstood me."
"I'm sorry if you misunderstood me."

Any ifs and buts need to be aired out prior to the "I'm sorry." Otherwise it's not a real apology but just another excuse for the offender to justify their actions.

"I'm sorry." Needs to be left as is.
Variations can be made according to the intensity of ones sorry.

For example:-
"I'm really sorry."
"I'm very sorry."
"I'm extremely sorry."

Notice the omission of "if" and "but"?

Seeing that getting a straight apology is hard enough these days I consider the following "extra points" material even though they really should be normalised.

Understand that what you did was wrong.
Empathise.
Ask for forgiveness.

Examples:-

"I realise I went too far and my joke was offensive."
"I would be offended too if I were a woman because what I said was inappropriate."
"I will learn from my mistake and hope you can forgive me."

All of the above will be negated if the offender turns around later and plays the victim card.

For example:-
"I'm sorry I was misunderstood and was taken the wrong way. Those who took it the wrong way please excuse me. I tried my best for everyone and but I've been made to look like I have no respect for women so I'll leave now because this is a toxic environment."

☝️🙄🤔😣

😂😂😂😂

The lesson here?

If you know you're being controversial and you go ahead and insist on sharing your opinion regardless then ffs be prepared for the opinion of others. Don't have a bloody whine and cry about it when you face opposition, and then go on victim mode saying people are ganging up on you 🤦🏻‍♀️.

image courtesy of Pixabay