Out In The Open

How to apologize well and avoid apologizing badly

Writers behind a website called SorryWatch share their best and worst apologies.
Jennifer Lawrence made one of the worst apologies in recent memory and RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson delivered one of the best according to the founders of SorryWatch (Gage Skidmore/Patrick Doyle)

Susan McCarthy and Marjorie Ingall have made it part of their life's work to applaud good 'sorrys' and call out bad ones.

"We aren't really taught what the elements of apology are. It's pretty simple but we're not taught it. Oftentimes when we are kids we're told to apologize. We're not told what's a good apology," McCarthy told Piya. 
The founders of SorryWatch Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy. (Provided by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy.)

The two writers started the website SorryWatch to analyze apologies in the news, literature, and history.

Their recent pick for worst apology was Jennifer Lawrence apologizing for scratching her butt on sacred rocks in Hawaii.

The best?

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson apologizing for sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse within the force.

Out in the Open created a handy graphic to ensure your next apology is as good as possible: