Did you know there is a science and an art to learning how to properly say "I'm sorry"? Just saying the words "I'm sorry" usually doesn't get it and often does not resolve the conflict while apologizing the right way just might.

If you are asking forgiveness, the following seven steps have been found necessary for an effective apology. If you are on the receiving end of an apology and are considering forgiving someone, you should require all elements listed below before you accept the apology as genuine.