We all mess up, it’s part of life, and a sincere “I’m sorry” is usually enough to smooth things over. But what should you do if your screw-up warrants more than an apology? Coffee, lunch, or a flower bouquet paired with decadent chocolates might be just the thing to get back in good graces. Here are 14 ways to ask for forgiveness they won’t be able to resist.
1. Take Them to Lunch
It might feel awkward, but sometimes sharing a meal is the perfect way to ease tensions. Not only will they get free food, but you’ll have the opportunity to apologize in a neutral location.
2. Send Flowers & Sweets
A bouquet of gorgeous flowers and an assortment of chocolate-covered fruit are in the rule book on how to apologize properly. Pick out their favorite blooms and a side of fruit from FruitFlowers®, and you’re sure to get back on good terms.
3. Hand Write an Apology
Sometimes, all you can do is apologize. If this is the case, you can make sure you sound sincere by handwriting a note or letter. It’ll be tangible proof that you sat down and really thought through your apology and what you did wrong.
4. Get Them Tickets to a Concert or Movie
To help them take their mind off things, get tickets to an artist or movie that interests them. If appropriate, you can even go together and decompress with a buffer.
Read: 10 Exercises to Rebuilding Trust in a Relationship
5. Buy Their Next Coffee
Experts estimate that over 60% of Americans drink coffee. Most of us can’t get through the day without that little boost. Chances are, the person you offended is a coffee drinker. Take them out for a cup or offer them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop.
6. Give Them a Self-Care Basket
Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt. If you have hurt someone you care about, help them recover by offering them a self-care basket packed with soothing items like bath salts, essential oils, or a warm blanket.
7. Lend a Helping Hand
If your faux pas has disrupted the offended person’s day, offer to help them out of the sticky situation. Cover a shift or take on a few extra assignments if you have to ensure they aren’t left cleaning up your mess.
Read: 10 Ways To Fix A Broken Relationship With Anyone
8. Get Them a Gift Card
Sometimes it’s best to let the other person decide how you can make it up to them. This is easily done by giving them a gift card. They will be able to invest in something they want or need, and every time they use it, they will remember your sincerity.
9. Create a Scrapbook
If you are especially close to the person that you offended, try putting together a small scrapbook including pictures of the time that you’ve spent together. It’s always helpful to remind the other person how much you care for them and how grateful you are to have them in your life.
10. Get Them a Book
Sometimes, you have a lot to say, and you’re not sure how to say it. In these cases, it’s a beautiful gesture to get them a book that means a lot to you. Choose something sweet or inspirational to reaffirm how much you appreciate them.
11. Bake Cookies
If you have any skills in the kitchen, you can put them to good use when you need to apologize. Whip up a batch of their favorite cookies. This is another excellent way to offer physical proof that you considered what you did wrong and how to fix it.
12. Try Personalized Jewelry
While it isn’t appropriate for everyone in your life, there are certain people you can offer jewelry to when you mess up. For spouses and romantic partners, an engraved pendant or keychain is something they can hold onto when things get rough. Try to pick out something in their preferred style.
13. Write Them a Poem
Poetry might be a little sappy, but sometimes sappiness is called for in an apology. Use a poem to express gratitude, love, and remorse. You might get an eye roll, but you’ll probably get forgiveness as well.
14. Get a Stuffed Animal
If you decide to go with classic gifts such as flowers and cards, consider adding a stuffed animal. Stuffed animals are easy to find, and it’s not hard to find one that suits the purposes of an apology. Who can resist smiling when cuddling a teddy bear?
Wait Patiently
When we ask for someone’s forgiveness, we have to give them the space to process their emotions. Try not to dwell on it either. If you’ve offered an apology and one of these excellent gifts, chances are, they’ll come around.
