It’s not always easy to admit we’re wrong, when we’re hurt someone we love. As an adult it is important that we show our children how to forgive by demonstrating our asking for forgiveness from other adults and from our children. Here are some simple steps.

1.      Apologize. Genuinely, sincerely and directly. This is not the time to text your message.

2.      Take ownership. Accept full responsibility for your actions and words.

3.      Work to repair the relationship.  Take care to demonstrate that you can be reliable, trustworthy and caring. That your actions were an exception and not how you want to live your life.

4.      Acknowledge that trust may have been broken and feelings may have been hurt. Recognize that it takes time to rebuild trust. The person may not be ready to accept your apology right away and that the hurt may last for some time.  Verbalize your sincere apology and accept that it may take some time before you are forgiven.

5.      Forgive yourself. Realize you are human and you do make mistakes. Do not continue to beat yourself up after you recognize your mistakes.