People make mistakes and hurt others. Good people see their faults and say sorry with sincerity. A genuine apology shows respect, takes responsibility, and helps rebuild broken trust.
You might feel stuck about how to put your feelings into words. The right apology letter can fix relationships and show the other person how much you care about making things right.
Sample Letters of Apology for Hurting Someone
These apology letters will help you express your regret and rebuild trust.
1. Personal Apology to a Close Friend
Subject: A Heartfelt Sorry – Please Read
Dear Sarah,
The words from our argument last week keep playing in my head, and my heart feels heavy knowing how much my harsh comments hurt you. You trusted me with your feelings about the job situation, and instead of supporting you, my judgmental response broke that trust.
You deserve so much better from a friend. Those mean words came from a place of stress in my own life, but that’s no excuse for taking it out on you. Your friendship means everything to me, and the thought of losing it because of my thoughtless behavior makes me deeply sad.
Please give me a chance to make this right. Can we meet for coffee this weekend? You can share how my actions made you feel, and we can talk about how to move forward.
With sincere regret,
Jessica
2. Apology to a Spouse After a Fight
Subject: My Deepest Apologies, My Love
Dear Michael,
Last night’s argument about the family finances got out of hand, and my words crossed a line that should never be crossed between two people who love each other. Bringing up your past mistakes and using them against you was cruel and unfair.
You work so hard for our family, and you’ve grown so much over the years. Instead of acknowledging that, my anger made me say things meant to hurt you. That’s not what marriage should be about.
Can we sit down tonight after the kids go to bed? We need a real talk about our money concerns, but first, you need to hear how sorry and ashamed I am about my behavior.
All my love,
Rachel
3. Apology to a Parent for Disrespect
Subject: Sorry for My Behavior – From Your Son
Dear Mom,
My attitude during Sunday’s family dinner was awful. Talking back to you about the career advice and storming out of the room showed zero respect for you and ruined what should have been a nice family gathering.
You’ve supported me through everything, and you were just trying to help. My reaction was childish and hurtful. The stress of job hunting doesn’t excuse my behavior.
I’d like to come over and talk properly. Maybe we could cook dinner together like we used to? You always give the best advice, and this time I’ll actually listen.
Love,
David
4. Apology to a Sibling for Breaking Trust
Subject: I’m So Sorry – Please Read This
Dear Tommy,
What I did was wrong. Telling everyone at the party about your personal struggles broke the trust between us as brothers. You came to me privately because you needed support, and I betrayed that confidence.
My stupid attempt to look cool in front of others hurt you deeply. The look on your face when you found out still haunts me. Brothers should protect each other, not cause pain.
I want to earn back your trust. No more jokes at your expense, no more sharing your private stuff. You’re my brother, and that means something special.
Your brother,
Chris
5. Apology to a Coworker for Public Criticism
Subject: Apologies for My Unprofessional Behavior
Dear Janet,
My comments during yesterday’s team meeting were completely inappropriate. Criticizing your project management style in front of the whole department was unprofessional and disrespectful.
You’ve led our team through many successful projects, and your methods have proven effective time after time. My frustration with the deadline changes should have been discussed privately with you.
Could we meet to discuss how we can work together more effectively? I value our professional relationship and want to make sure this never happens again.
Best regards,
Mark
6. Apology to a Child for Losing Temper
Subject: A Note from Dad
Dear Emily,
Daddy needs to say sorry for yelling at you about the spilled juice this morning. Getting angry and raising my voice was wrong. You were trying to help make breakfast, and accidents happen.
You’re such a wonderful, helpful daughter, and I should have thanked you for trying to do something nice. My reaction made you feel bad, and that makes my heart hurt.
Can we have a special daddy-daughter time tonight? We can read your favorite story, and I can show you the right way to help with breakfast next time.
Lots of love,
Dad
7. Apology to a Teacher for Classroom Disruption
Subject: Apology for My Behavior in Class
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
My behavior in yesterday’s English class was unacceptable. Making jokes during your lesson and encouraging others to join in showed complete disrespect for you and my classmates who wanted to learn.
You make every class interesting and always try to help us understand difficult topics. My actions disrupted the learning environment you work so hard to create.
I promise to be a better student going forward. My homework will be done on time, and I’ll pay attention in class. Could I stay after school to catch up on what I missed?
Sincerely,
Kevin Williams
8. Apology to a Romantic Partner for Lying
Subject: I Need to Come Clean
Dear Lisa,
My heart is heavy as I write this letter. Lying to you about where I was last Saturday night was wrong. You deserved the truth, and I broke your trust by making up a story about working late.
Our relationship is built on trust and honesty. My fear of your reaction to the truth about meeting my ex for closure doesn’t excuse my dishonesty. You’re the person I want to share my life with, and I should have been open with you.
Can we talk about this face-to-face? You deserve a full explanation, and I want to show you how committed I am to rebuilding your trust.
With love and regret,
James
9. Apology to a Friend for Missing Their Important Event
Subject: I’m Sorry I Wasn’t There
Dear Alex,
Missing your art gallery opening last night was a huge mistake. This was a big moment for you, and as your friend, I should have been there to support you. No excuse can make up for my absence on such an important night.
Your dedication to your art has been amazing to watch, and this exhibition was the result of years of hard work. My absence probably made you feel like I don’t value your achievements.
Please let me make it up to you. I’d love to see your exhibition and take you to dinner afterward. Your talent deserves to be celebrated, even if I’m late in doing so.
Sincerely sorry,
Maria
10. Apology to a Neighbor for Noise Disturbance
Subject: Sincere Apologies for Last Night
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,
The noise from our party last night was excessive and inconsiderate. The loud music and guests in the backyard must have disturbed your peace and possibly woke your children.
Being good neighbors means showing respect for those living nearby. Our celebration got out of hand, and we failed to consider how it would affect your family’s evening and rest.
This won’t happen again. Next time we host friends, we’ll keep the noise down and make sure all activities move indoors after 9 PM. We value having you as neighbors and hope to maintain a good relationship.
Sincerely,
The Smiths
11. Apology to a Team Member for Taking Credit
Subject: My Sincere Apologies
Dear Robert,
Taking credit for your ideas during the client presentation was wrong and unprofessional. You spent weeks developing those marketing strategies, and I had no right to present them as my own work.
Your contributions to our team are valuable, and my actions undermined both your hard work and your professional reputation. This behavior goes against everything a good team member should do.
I’ve emailed our supervisor to correct this situation and give you proper credit. Would you be willing to meet so I can apologize in person and discuss how I can make this right?
Regards,
Patricia
12. Apology to a Customer for Poor Service
Subject: Our Apologies for Your Recent Experience
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
Your experience at our store yesterday fell far below our service standards. My rude response to your questions about our return policy was unprofessional and unhelpful.
Every customer deserves respect and assistance, especially when dealing with a product issue. My behavior reflected poorly on our store and staff, and your complaint was completely justified.
We’ve processed your refund in full, and I’ve added a $50 gift card to your account. I hope you’ll give us another chance to prove that your experience was not typical of our service standards.
Best regards,
Steven Brown
Store Manager
13. Apology to an Ex-Partner for Past Behavior
Subject: An Overdue Apology
Dear Rachel,
After much reflection, I need to apologize for my behavior during our relationship and after our breakup. My jealousy, controlling attitude, and harsh words caused you pain and emotional stress that you didn’t deserve.
You tried many times to communicate your feelings, but I was too self-centered to listen. My actions after we broke up, especially the angry messages and attempts to damage your reputation, were childish and cruel.
You don’t need to respond to this letter. I just want you to know that I recognize my mistakes and truly regret hurting you. I hope you’re happy and doing well.
Sincerely,
Michael
14. Apology to a Group Project Member for Lack of Contribution
Subject: Apology for My Poor Participation
Dear Sam,
My lack of contribution to our group project was unfair to you and the team. While you all worked hard meeting deadlines and producing quality work, I barely participated and missed several group meetings.
You reached out multiple times asking for my portions, and I kept making excuses. This forced you to cover my responsibilities and put extra stress on the entire group.
I’ve completed my assigned sections and would like to meet to review them with you. I also volunteer to handle the final presentation to make up for my previous absence.
Best regards,
Taylor
15. Apology to a Mentor for Disrespectful Behavior
Subject: Sincere Apologies for My Recent Behavior
Dear Dr. Martinez,
My behavior at last week’s department meeting was completely out of line. Challenging your research findings in front of the entire team, especially in such a disrespectful tone, went against everything you’ve taught me about professional discourse.
As my mentor for the past three years, you’ve given me countless opportunities to grow and learn. Your guidance has shaped my career path, making my recent actions even more shameful. The stress of my upcoming thesis defense is no excuse for undermining your expertise and authority.
Would you be willing to meet privately so I can apologize face-to-face? Your mentorship means too much to me to let my momentary lapse in judgment damage our professional relationship.
With deep regret,
David Chen
Final Thoughts
A meaningful apology needs honesty, full responsibility, and genuine remorse. These sample letters give you ideas, but the most powerful apology comes from your heart. Think about your actions, understand how they affected others, and express your wish to make things right.
A good apology letter starts the healing process and lets both people move forward. Be genuine with your words, show you understand the effects of your actions, and make clear promises about changing your behavior.
Your apology starts the process of rebuilding trust. Show through your actions that you’ve learned from your mistakes. This proves your words are real promises and true steps to fix what went wrong.