How To Apologize Without Sounding Like a Jerk

4 apologies to avoid and a simple formula for what to say instead

Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

I was in the grocery store when I heard a mom hiss at her son, “Apologize to your sister right now.”

I did not hear the transgression that incited the directive. But I heard the “apology” he offered. “I’m sorry you’re an evil brat,” he said. “And I’m…