How to Say You're Sorry

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To err, as they say, is human. But being able to say you're sorry—to admit that you screwed up—can be downright painful. Whether you gossiped behind a pal's back, said something cruel to a family member or missed an important work deadline, for every situation there's a right way to say, "I was wrong."

You Left Someone Out

The Scenario: You're having a dinner party, but only have room for a certain number of people in your tiny apartment. After much debate, you are forced to leave a friend off the list to make room for another friend's date. The next day, she sees pictures from the dinner on Facebook. (Ouch.)

The Mea Culpa: "An explanation is not an excuse," says Susan Shapiro Barash, author of Toxic Friends. "Tell her the truth—that leaving her out wasn't very thoughtful—and ask her if you can make it up to her by throwing your next dinner party in her honor." If she doesn't like being the center of attention, then offer to take her out for a special one-on-one dinner to her favorite spot.