mirandaadria:

Don’t say, “I’m sorry this offended you”.

Instead say, “I’m sorry I was offensive.”

Don’t say, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Instead say, “I didn’t mean to hurt you, but intent means nothing because the damage is already done.”

Don’t say, “It was just a joke.”

Instead sat, “Some things should not be joked about.”

Don’t say, “I wouldn’t try to hurt anyone like that.”

Instead say, “I realize I hurt people with my words, and I’m sorry.”

Don’t say, “I‘ll remove the joke if it bothers you so much.” (if posted online)

Instead say, “Yes, I said this, and it was wrong, and now I know not to say things like this again.”

Don’t say, “Well other people weren’t bothered by it.”

Instead say, “Well some people weren’t bothered by it, but others were, and their concerns are just as valid and worthy of consideration.”

Stop accepting passive apologies that do not show the offensive party actively taking responsibility for their mistakes.

