To say "sorry" and ask for forgiveness, acknowledge your mistake openly, express genuine remorse, take full responsibility for your actions, explain how your behavior impacted the other person, and directly ask for their forgiveness.

Sincere apologies help to rebuild relationships with people you've hurt. That could be colleagues, clients, friends, or family. By owning up to your mistake, you open a dialog with the other person. That way, you can reflect on and take responsibility for your actions. And they can process their feelings, restore their dignity, and avoid blaming themselves for what happened. Apologizing can help you to act better in the future, maintain your self-respect, and restore your integrity in the eyes of others. Your apology may not be accepted right away, but you'll likely feel relieved that you've done the right thing and tried to make amends for your mistake.

Refusing to forgive keeps us captive to the hurt; while forgiveness sets us free.

Neurological side effects can include increases in aggression, decreases in cortisol levels and thus the ability to buffer against stress. Notably, power has also been linked to unethical decision-making.