There are three vitally important aspects to an apology that will determine how the apology is received. So when you apologize, be sure to: Be Sincere, Take Responsibility for Your Actions, Provide a Sincere Promise that You'll Try to do Better.

The one thing that measures how sorry you truly are more than the words you speak is sincerity. An insincere apology can actually offend, while a sincere apology holds a lot of power to right a wrong. A sincere apology means that your apology is genuine, true, and pure. So before you apologize, make sure you understand how you hurt your partner and are truly sorry. This will come through when you make your apology.

To improve sincerity, don't apologize too much or too soon. Step away from the conflict. Think about it. Then return to your partner with an apology that you mean. You'll usually get one in return.

2. Take Responsibility for Your Actions

An apology is true and more sincere when you state it without making excuses. Take full responsibility for your actions. "It was my fault. I take full responsibility and I'm sincerely sorry." When you add excuses to your apology ("I'm sorry. It's just been a really hard day and I'm cranky") then you are excusing the action and it removes the sincerity of the gesture.

3. Provide a Sincere Promise that You'll Try to do Better

"I messed up and I'm sorry. I will strive to make sure it never happens again. I love you too much." When you apologize for something stupid you did, make a sincere promise that you'll try to do better then stick to that promise. One way you grow to become a better person is by improving your weak areas.