Updated April 12, 2024
Our season of engagement was probably the hardest season we’ve been in. It was almost as if the moment that engagement ring went on the finger, misunderstandings and miscommunications crept in, we were both quick to argue, and the relationship wasn’t as “easy” as it had been in the past.
We were frustrated. Why is this so hard? Why don’t any of our conversations feel like they’re being resolved?
It wasn’t until we went through the book “Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married” by Gary Chapman that things started to shift in our relationship.
Particularly, the section in that book about apology languages. What the heck are apology languages? We had heard about the love languages, but never apology languages.
But once we figured out apology languages, everything changed.
Instead of arguments being drawn out because one of us did something that upset the other, our conflicts were healthy and resolved in a way that was fulfilling to both sides. Here is a quick recap of the five apology languages created by Gary Chapman.
As you read through these, ask yourself these two questions: 1) What is my apology language? 2) What is my partner’s apology language?
Quick note: we have an entire section on Apology Languages as a part of our online premarital course... there's a free sample module below.
1. Expressing Regret
Remember when you were a kid and your mom would say something like “apologize to your brother.” So you’d mumble “sorry,” with your arms folded and your mom would then say, “Say it like you mean it”? Expressing regret is essentially “say it like you mean it.” For most people with this apology language, they need to see you regret what you’ve done.
This is Britt’s apology language. When I apologize to her, I need to demonstrate that I realize I’ve hurt her feelings and express regret for my actions.
Example: I’m sorry I forgot to make dinner reservations. I feel terrible.
2. Accepting Responsibility
This is my (Kyler’s) apology language. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone says, “Well I’m really sorry, but…” and then they finish it with whatever excuse they want. At the end of the day, those with this apology language just want you to take ownership that you’ve done something wrong.
Example: It’s totally my fault that I forgot to make dinner reservations. I’m so sorry I forgot.
3. Making Restitution
Making restitution could also be titled “making up for what you did.” Someone with this apology language needs you to not only apologize but to tell them how you’re going to make it up to them.
Example: I’m sorry I forgot to make dinner reservations. I promise I’ll make reservations tomorrow and I’ll take you to get ice cream after.
4. Genuinely Repenting
Repenting means to turn away from your actions and make a change. Genuinely repenting for your actions means more than just saying sorry, it means assuring your partner that you’ll change your behavior going forward.
Example: I’m sorry I forgot to make dinner reservations. I promise I’ll make our date nights a priority going forward.
5. Requesting Forgiveness
“Will you forgive me?” needs to be a part of the apology for someone with this apology language. Requesting forgiveness shifts the power from the offender to the offended and allows the person who was wronged to be in control of giving forgiveness.
Example: I’m sorry I forgot to make dinner reservations. Will you please forgive me?
Sample Module from Our Premarital Course
Here is a free module from our online premarital course alllll about apology languages.
Questions to Help You Find Your Apology Language
Ask these to your partner:
- After reading the examples, what do you think is your apology language? Why do you think that?
- Can you think of a time when you felt like I apologized well to you? What did I say?
- Is it more important for my actions to reflect my remorse or for my words?
- How do I tend to apologize to you?
- Do you feel like I apologize well?
What's your apology language? Almost more importantly, what's your future spouse's apology language? Understanding how you both desire to receive an apology will radically change the way you resolve conflicts... promise.
Bonus: if you want to go deeper on apology languages and learn how they fit into the bigger picture of communication and conflict resolution, be sure to check out our online course for engaged couples.
