The Parts of An Apology (or: stuff I forget often)

The parts of an apology, in requisite order, are as follows:

1.  I’m sorry.*
2.  I feel [emotion word].
3.  It sounds like you feel [emotion word] because you thought I said/did [restate what you heard].
4.  (if applicable) That is not what I intended.  I don’t think I communicated clearly.  Are you willing to let me try again?

Failure to follow these steps may result in other people thinking you’re not actually apologizing.
 

*  Mandatory field.  No qualifiers allowed.