It is not a question of whether you will in some instances make a mistake and hurt someone. It is a matter of when. Mistakes should be seen as an opportunity to learn and grow. They should not be seen as cause for self-defeating attitudes.
When you make a mistake and you hurt another whether through carelessness or intent, there are five steps to making things right. One of those steps is to apologize and, if after completing those five steps, the other person refuses to accept your apology, there is nothing else you can do. You must accept that fact.
- The first step is to acknowledge the mistake.
- The second is to take responsibility for it.
- The third is to apologize sincerely for it.
- The fourth is to make restitution.
- The fifth is to vow never to do it again.
You have no control over whether another person accepts your apology.
Offering explanations with the apology unduly puts the focus back on the needs of the person who has made the mistake. You can offer explanations later but it is best to let the aggrieved person react as he, she or they will.