--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A true apology is more than just…" description: "\"A true apology is more than just aknowledgment of a mistake. It is recognition that something you have said or done has damaged a relationship and that..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/norman-vincent-peale-539_apology_a-true-apology-is-more-than-just-aknowle_2276581.jpg" --- # A true apology is more than just aknowledgment of a… ![“A true apology is more than just aknowledgment of a mistake. It is recognition that something you have said or done has damaged a relationship and that you care enough about the relationship to want it repaired and restored.” quote by Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/norman-vincent-peale-539_apology_a-true-apology-is-more-than-just-aknowle_2276581.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/norman-vincent-peale-539_apology_a-true-apology-is-more-than-just-aknowle_2276581.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/norman-vincent-peale-539_apology_a-true-apology-is-more-than-just-aknowle_2276581.jpg) > “A true apology is more than just aknowledgment of a mistake. It is recognition that something you have said or done has damaged a relationship and that you care enough about the relationship to want it repaired and restored.” [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. An apology must acknowledge harm, show empathy, and express a desire to heal the relationship. **In simple terms:** Apologize by admitting harm and caring to fix it. Key Takeaway Show empathy and commit to repair. Themes relationships communication empathy Mood reflective reconciliatory Type advice motivational When to use this quote - personal relationships - workplace disputes - family arguments - customer service complaints Key Concepts psychology conflict resolution Questions to Reflect On - How can you ensure your apology is genuine? - What steps follow an apology to rebuild trust? A Different Perspective Apologies without sincere intent can feel manipulative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Apology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apology/) [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Mistake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistake/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Recognition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recognition/) ## Related quotes > [There's never really been a true apology for slavery.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenya-barris/there-s-never-really-been-a-true-apology-for-slavery/) [Kenya Barris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenya-barris/) > [“Why is it men think you have to accept an apology, just because one is offered?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dd-barant/why-is-it-men-think-you-have-to-accept-an-apology-just-because-one-is/) DD Barant > [If anyone's reading this waiting for some type of full-on, flat apology for anything, they should just stop reading right now.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kanye-west/if-anyone-s-reading-this-waiting-for-some-type-of-full-on-flat/) [Kanye West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kanye-west/) > [Trying to fix a damaged relationship without your partners help is pointless about as pointless as trying to blow up a balloon with a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/trying-to-fix-a-damaged-relationship-without-your-partners-help-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I felt like I should be wearing a sign that said “damaged” or “failure” or, at least, “injured.” But some wounds only scar on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/devon-monk/i-felt-like-i-should-be-wearing-a-sign-that-said-damaged-or-failure/) [Devon Monk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/devon-monk/) > [“The ability to apologize sincerely and express regret for the unskillful things we say or do is an art. A true apology can relieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/the-ability-to-apologize-sincerely-and-express-regret-for-the/) [Thich Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/) > [“He took the tin out of my hand and said, 'We're all damaged, in a way. But it's nothing that can't be fixed. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-smith/he-took-the-tin-out-of-my-hand-and-said-we-re-all-damaged-in-a-way/) Heather Smith > [If I was a part of secret ninja group my power would be the power of apology. I would just apologize emphatically and freely.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zach-woods/if-i-was-a-part-of-secret-ninja-group-my-power-would-be-the-power-of/) [Zach Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zach-woods/) > [Don't bother coming back with an apology that would just burn. Just leave and never return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francine-chiar/don-t-bother-coming-back-with-an-apology-that-would-just-burn-just/) [Francine Chiar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francine-chiar/) > [If you owe someone an apology, just apologize and stop wasting time with excuses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/unkown/if-you-owe-someone-an-apology-just-apologize-and-stop-wasting-time/) Unkown > [“A lady need never apologize. ~ Joseph de Bonaparte (Brother of Napoleon)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allison-pataki/a-lady-need-never-apologize-joseph-de-bonaparte-brother-of-napoleon/) Allison Pataki > [It's hard to say sorry when It's really your fault.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rakii-retondo/it-s-hard-to-say-sorry-when-it-s-really-your-fault/) [Rakii Retondo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rakii-retondo/) > [“Why do we apologize for advocating for ourselves? Why do we apologize for taking up space that we are entitled to? Why do we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-tambascio/why-do-we-apologize-for-advocating-for-ourselves-why-do-we-apologize/) Elizabeth Tambascio > [Apologies are not pass/fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/apologies-are-not-pass-fail/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [The greatest act of courage is to be and to ownall of who you are—without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-ford/the-greatest-act-of-courage-is-to-be-and-to-ownall-of-who-you-are/) [Debbie Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-ford/) ## More by Norman Vincent Peale > [It is said that history turns on small hinges. A human career, too, results from an accumulating series of decisions about large and small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/it-is-said-that-history-turns-on-small-hinges-a-human-career-too/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [And if the mind thinks with a believing attitude one can do amazing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/and-if-the-mind-thinks-with-a-believing-attitude-one-can-do-amazing/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Always remember, there is more strength in you than you ever realized or even imagined. Certainly nothing can keep you down if you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/always-remember-there-is-more-strength-in-you-than-you-ever-realized/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [One of the most powerful concepts, one which is a sure cure for lack of confidence, is the thought that God is with you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/one-of-the-most-powerful-concepts-one-which-is-a-sure-cure-for-lack/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [When we start focusing on things we can do and don't think so much about the things we can't do, things really start to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/when-we-start-focusing-on-things-we-can-do-and-don-t-think-so-much/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [The only figure in history who endures is Jesus.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/the-only-figure-in-history-who-endures-is-jesus/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [I believe absolutely and certainly that, when you die, you will meet your loved ones and know them and be reunited with them, never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/i-believe-absolutely-and-certainly-that-when-you-die-you-will-meet/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center. So does a person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/the-cyclone-derives-its-powers-from-a-calm-center-so-does-a-person/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Positive Thinkers get positive results because they appreciate the inestimable value of a day, this day, not the next day, but this day, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/positive-thinkers-get-positive-results-because-they-appreciate-the/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [It takes struggle, a goal and enthusiasm to make a champion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/it-takes-struggle-a-goal-and-enthusiasm-to-make-a-champion/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” JOB 22:21”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/submit-to-god-and-be-at-peace-with-him-in-this-way-prosperity-will/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Scatter good will and love and prayers all around, everywhere, and you will be astonished, not only by what it does for other people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/scatter-good-will-and-love-and-prayers-all-around-everywhere-and-you/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Stand up to an obstacle. Just stand up to it, that's all, and don't give way under it, and it will finally break. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/stand-up-to-an-obstacle-just-stand-up-to-it-that-s-all-and-don-t-give/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [Never allow sick attitudes to poison your thinking, nor let ill will make you ill. Avoid making your mind sore by that painful rehurting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/never-allow-sick-attitudes-to-poison-your-thinking-nor-let-ill-will/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself – so always think positively. Believe it is possible to solve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/how-you-think-about-a-problem-is-more-important-than-the-problem/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) [Explore all 487 Norman Vincent Peale quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) ## More Apology quotes > [The greatest act of courage is to be and to ownall of who you are—without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-ford/the-greatest-act-of-courage-is-to-be-and-to-ownall-of-who-you-are/) [Debbie Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-ford/) > [Apologies are not pass/fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/apologies-are-not-pass-fail/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [“Why do we apologize for advocating for ourselves? Why do we apologize for taking up space that we are entitled to? Why do we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-tambascio/why-do-we-apologize-for-advocating-for-ourselves-why-do-we-apologize/) Elizabeth Tambascio > [It's hard to say sorry when It's really your fault.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rakii-retondo/it-s-hard-to-say-sorry-when-it-s-really-your-fault/) [Rakii Retondo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rakii-retondo/) > [“A lady need never apologize. ~ Joseph de Bonaparte (Brother of Napoleon)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allison-pataki/a-lady-need-never-apologize-joseph-de-bonaparte-brother-of-napoleon/) Allison Pataki > [And apologies, once postponed, become harder and harder to make, and finally impossible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-mitchell/and-apologies-once-postponed-become-harder-and-harder-to-make-and/) [Margaret Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-mitchell/) > [In the formation of such a government, it is not only the right, but the indispensable duty of every citizen to examine the principles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noah-webster/in-the-formation-of-such-a-government-it-is-not-only-the-right-but/) [Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noah-webster/) > [Apologizing does not always mean you are wrong, it just means that value your relationships more than your ego.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chinier-bennett/apologizing-does-not-always-mean-you-are-wrong-it-just-means-that/) [Chinier Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chinier-bennett/) > [If I can get enough signatures, to present an apology to slavery, I will present it to the President. The House of Representatives has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirk-douglas/if-i-can-get-enough-signatures-to-present-an-apology-to-slavery-i/) [Kirk Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirk-douglas/) > [“I don’t care if you’ve changed. I don’t care who you are now. I don’t need or want your explanations because what you did,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-young/i-don-t-care-if-you-ve-changed-i-don-t-care-who-you-are-now-i-don-t/) [Samantha Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-young/) > [I never said Kristen ruined my wedding. At the time, when a million other things had fallen apart that day, I felt like she…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scheana-shay/i-never-said-kristen-ruined-my-wedding-at-the-time-when-a-million/) [Scheana Shay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scheana-shay/) > [The greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. This is when we must learn how to reap without complaint if the amounts are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-greatest-form-of-maturity-is-at-harvest-time-this-is-when-we-must/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [“It's clear he still feels something, but what? Is the whole reason he made such a big deal about wanting to talk to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carey-heywood/it-s-clear-he-still-feels-something-but-what-is-the-whole-reason-he/) [Carey Heywood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carey-heywood/) > [I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying. I'm sorry I said it really. I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lennon/i-wasn-t-saying-whatever-they-re-saying-i-was-saying-i-m-sorry-i-said/) [John Lennon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lennon/) > [For every person who atones, a hundred others find regret sufficient.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-breault/for-every-person-who-atones-a-hundred-others-find-regret-sufficient/) [Robert Breault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-breault/) [Browse all 1,300 Apology quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apology/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "A true apology is more than just aknowledgment of a mistake. 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