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An apology letter to friends straight from your heart can do wonders to your friendship. After all, friends are your chosen family, and you must respect their feelings. So, whether it is your school friend, office friend, or best friend, if you have hurt them, it is best to resolve it soon. Holding on to anger can only dwindle your beautiful relationship.
However, asking for an apology is not always an easy task. People struggle to find the right words to express their true feelings of remorse and regret. So, if you are looking for some sample apology letters for inspiration, this post is for you. Keep scrolling.
31 Apology Letters To Friends For Various Reasons
Here are some sample apology letters you can take inspiration from.
1. Apology letter for a misunderstanding
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Dear (friend’s name),
I am writing this letter of apology to clear the air between us. The argument we had the other day has left me much disturbed. I said things that might have hurt you, and I am extremely sorry for putting you through this. I understand your viewpoint now. Please accept my heartfelt apology.
Your friend,
(Name)
2. Apology letter for missing a birthday
Dear (friend’s name),
I hope you’re keeping safe! I apologize for not making it to your birthday party. I was under a lot of pressure at work, and it completely slipped out of my mind.
I would never deliberately miss my best friend’s birthday. I hope you know I’m in contrition as I write you this letter to ask for your forgiveness and hope you like the present I sent along with this letter.
Let’s catch up over the weekend!
Your friend,
(Name)
3. Apology letter for not attending their wedding
My dearest (friend’s name),
First of all, congratulations on your big day! I wish you both a beautiful life full of love and happiness.
I know I should have been there, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to make it to your wedding.
I disappointed you, and I feel deep regret. Please accept my heartfelt apology. Consider this my plea for forgiveness. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me for not being there for you. I promise you it’ll be a party when we meet next!
Your friend,
(Name)
4. Apology letter for using inappropriate language
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Dear (friend’s name),
I have been meaning to apologize to you for using inappropriate language the other day. Nothing I say can justify what I said.
I write this letter of apology with a feeling of deep regret for using those hurtful words that have scared our relationship.
I take full responsibility and ask for a second chance. I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.
Your friend,
(Name)
5. Apology letter for losing a friend’s belonging
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m writing this letter to apologize for something I did unintentionally. I feel deep regret to inform you that I lost the bag that I borrowed from you last month. Nothing I say can bring it back, but I want to apologize for being irresponsible, and I’m willing to compensate for the loss.
I also want you to know that I will be cautious and never let this happen again. Please accept my heartfelt apology and let me make it up to you.
Your friend,
(Name)
Did you know?6. Apology letter for being rude
Dear (friend’s name),
I feel extremely ashamed of my rude behavior with you over the past few weeks. I deeply regret it and seek your forgiveness. You are my dearest friend, and I cannot imagine my life without you.
I have had sleepless nights thinking about my unacceptable behavior, and I take complete responsibility for my actions. I request you to give me a chance to explain myself and hope that we can still be the best of friends.
Your friend,
(Name)
7. Apology letter for not calling a friend back
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Dear (friend’s name),
I am writing this letter of apology for not returning your calls. I meant to call you, but I had been extremely busy with a project and kept forgetting. You are my dearest friend, and I owe you an explanation. Could we catch up for dinner this weekend? I want to make it up to you.
Your friend,
(Name)
8. Apology letter for not keeping in touch
Dear (friend’s name),
This has been on my mind for quite a while; and hence, I’m writing this letter to you. I know you’ve been trying to make plans to meet, but I’ve been occupied with work and other commitments at home. I owe you a true apology for not staying in touch.
I don’t want this to cause a rift between us. I hope you understand that I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just that all the work I’ve been doing has taken a toll on my health. I promise to stay in touch from now on.
Your friend,
(Name)
9. Apology letter for not being there
Dear (friend’s name),
I hope you’re doing better now. I feel like a horrible friend for not being able to support you through your hardships. I would like to meet you and talk about it in person. I deeply regret not being there for you when you needed me the most.
Your friend,
(Name)
10. Apology letter seeking forgiveness
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Hey (friend’s name),
I hope you’re keeping safe in these times. I sincerely apologize for whatever has happened in the past. There have been some differences between us and things have piled on over the last few years.
This is my humble attempt at salvaging our wonderful friendship. I want to clear the air between us and start afresh. So, please let me know if we can meet.
Your friend,
(Name)
11. Apology letter for not inviting a friend to an important event
My dear (friend’s name),
I know you must be upset since I didn’t invite you to the event. I had no choice since we were allowed a limited number of invitees by the event organizers.
Thus, we had to organize it for just the closest of our relatives. I hope you understand that I didn’t mean to humiliate you and accept my humble supplication. Please forgive me!
Your friend,
(Name)
Quick tip12. Apology letter for unreasonable behavior
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Hey (friend’s name),
This is about the lunch date we had at yours the other day. I somehow feel like I may have invaded your personal space that day and would like to apologize for my behavior.
I hope you don’t hold it against me. I’d love to make it up to you. But for now, please accept my plea with these flowers, and let’s make peace!
Your friend,
(Name)
13. Apology letter to a friend’s mom/family member
Dear (name),
I know I crossed the line the other night when we were discussing my plans. In retrospect, I understand that you were only looking out for me, and I truly appreciate that. I regret my atrocious behavior. It was in the heat of the moment, and I meant no disrespect towards you all.
Please forgive me.
(Name)
14. Apology letter addressed to multiple friends
Hey guys,
I hope this letter finds you well. I owe you an apology for my unacceptable behavior the other evening. I was preoccupied with some personal issues and didn’t intend to be rude. I feel incomplete without you all. So, please, find it in your heart to forgive me, and let’s meet to start afresh.
Your friend,
(Name)
15. Apology letter written in jest
Dear (friend name),
Firstly, I want you to know that I’m the luckiest person on this planet to have a friend like you. I know you’re cross with me because I ate your slice of the pizza.
I sincerely apologize for my behavior and I hope you can see my penitence through this letter. Please don’t be mad for too long; I already miss you! You can have the biggest bite out of my burger the next time we meet. Please forgive me!
Your friend,
(Name)
16. Apology letter for forgetting to plan for Halloween
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m genuinely sorry for dropping the ball on our Halloween plans. I knew we were both looking forward to making amazing plans to shop and design for the Halloweens. But I got caught up with unfinished tasks and completely forgot our plans. I understand if you’re disappointed; I am, too. Halloween is our thing, and I should’ve kept a reminder to make time for the once-in-a-year event.
Allow me to make up for the absence by planning together something nice. I hope you can forgive me for this oversight. Here’s to more spooky adventures together, albeit a bit delayed this year.
Warmly,
(Name)
17. Apology letter for spreading misinformation
Dear (friend’s name),
I am sorry for giving the wrong impression regarding your absence from class. I hurt your feelings when I spoke without having the whole picture, and it was careless of me to do so. I should have spoken to you personally or refrained from sharing my presumptions.
I sincerely apologize for any trouble or miscommunication that may have resulted from my statements. I hope you can forget your silly old friend for the hurt I may have caused.
Regards,
(Name)
18. Apology letter for not supporting them during breakup
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m truly sorry for not being there for you during your heartbreak. I realize now how much you needed a shoulder to lean on, and I regret not offering mine. I was in a dilemma about whether I should give you some time and space alone for you to reflect on the situation, and due to this, I was absent during that time.
But now I have realized that leaving you all alone was insensitive, which I truly regret. I cherish our friendship and offer my wholehearted support to overcome these hard times. Let’s talk, share, and heal together. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my absence.
Warmly,
(Name)
19. Apology letter for making a hurtful comment
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m really sorry about that offhand comment I made when we were with our coworkers. It was thoughtless and not at all funny, and I feel awful for any discomfort I might have caused you. I should’ve been more considerate.
I truly value our bond and didn’t mean to put a strain on it. I’ll definitely watch my words more carefully from now on. Let’s catch up? I’d appreciate a chance to make amends.
Best,
(Name)
20. Apology letter for not standing up for them
Dear (friend’s name),
I truly regret not speaking up when the coach doubted your fitness. I’m aware of the effort you’ve put in, and I should’ve been there for you. My silence wasn’t fair, especially given our close bond. Let’s talk soon. I want to apologize in person and let you know I have full faith in your abilities.
Best,
(Name)
21. Apology letter for failing to turn up for a planned movie together
Dear (friend’s name),
I apologize for not turning up for the movie we planned for so long. I know it must have spoilt your mood, and I feel upset. I know it’s not an excuse, but I was caught up in a family emergency and completely forgot about it.
I value our moments together and regret missing this one. How about we pick another date? I promise I’ll be there. Let’s plan for another movie soon.
Regards,
(Name)
22. Apology letter for being late on the job interview that they referred
Dear (friend’s name),
I sincerely apologize for being late to the job interview you so kindly referred me to. I know no amount of excuse or reasoning would justify such unprofessional behavior. I am sorry for the wrong impression it might have conveyed about you to the organization.
I will take corrective measures and make sure that it does not repeat in the future. I hope you can forgive me and that this won’t strain our relationship.
Warm regards,
(Name)
23. Apology letter for the arguments while playing a game of basketball
Dear (friend’s name),
I am sorry for my behavior the other day during our basketball game. I regret yelling at you while we were in a losing position. I hope you understand that I was immersed in the intensity of the moment and said things I didn’t mean.
This incident should not be a reason for breaking our friendship. How about we bury the hatchet over dinner at my place, followed by a friendly game on PlayStation? It’s on me, and I hope it’s a start to mending things.
Warm regards,
(Name)
24. Apology letter for not taking their health advice
Dear (friend’s name),
I sincerely apologize for overlooking the health advice you shared with me. I was undergoing a dark phase of depression and anxiety issues, often leading me to question people’s intentions, including yours.
Now that I am feeling much better, I know that you were speaking on behalf of the genuine concern you have for me.
Please forgive me for neglecting your health advice, and I promise to take up a strict health and diet routine as you recommended.
Warmly,
(Name)
25. Apology letter for not helping them move to a new place
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m genuinely sorry for not being there to help when you moved to a new place. I was still angry at you for leaving the place, and I apologize. I hope you understand I regret being selfish and childish by not offering you my support at such an important moment.
I am proud of your growth and wish you all the best. I truly value our friendship and feel terrible for my absence. I hope you’ve settled in comfortably. Let’s reconnect soon, and I promise to make amends in any way I can.
Warm regards,
(Name)
26. Apology letter for being overly critical of their support for their sports team
Dear (friend’s name),
I am sorry for my behavior the other day. I understand that I crossed the line while criticizing your favorite sports team. What started as a harmless joke became a sour and hurtful conversation later. Everyone has their passions, and I should have respected yours instead of letting my biases cloud my judgment. I truly regret any hurt or annoyance I might have caused.
Our friendship means so much to me, and I never want a difference in team loyalties to come between us. Let’s catch a game together sometime, and I promise to keep my critiques to myself.
Best wishes,
(Name)
27. Apology letter for not respecting their boundaries
Dear (friend’s name),
I deeply apologize for not respecting your personal boundaries. I realize now that my actions were inconsiderate and may have made you uncomfortable. I got caught up in the conversation and spoke things unknowingly that hurt your feelings. I am extremely sorry for not being mindful to respect your boundaries.
I hope this incident will not bring mistrust and drive a wedge between us. I wish you can gather the courage and sympathy to forgive my mistake.
Yours truly,
(Name)
28. Apology letter for causing embarrassment in public
Dear (friend’s name),
I sincerely apologize for the comment I made about your choice of attire. I intended it as a harmless joke, but I now realize it crossed boundaries and was inappropriate. Everyone has their unique style, and it was wrong of me to make light of yours, especially in a way that caused embarrassment.
I deeply value our friendship and regret that my words might have hurt you. I genuinely respect your individuality and choices. I’m committed to being more thoughtful and ensuring our bond remains strong.
Warm regards,
(Name)
29. Apology letter for not acknowledging their academic achievements
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m sorry for not recognizing your outstanding academic achievements earlier. Your dedication and hard work have clearly paid off, and this is undoubtedly an important stepping stone for a promising career ahead. I genuinely feel bad for not being present to celebrate this pivotal moment with you.
Our bond means the world to me, and I’m truly sorry for any feelings of neglect I may have inadvertently caused. To mark this significant milestone, how about dinner at your favorite restaurant? It would be a small gesture to show how proud I am of you and to celebrate your bright future.
Warm regards,
(Name)
30. Apology letter for not being present when they were sick
Dear (friend’s name),
I’m deeply sorry for not being by your side during your time of sickness. When you needed support and comfort, I regret not being there to offer a helping hand or just to listen. It pains me to think of you going through this alone.
I was dealing with a family issue that consumed my attention, but that doesn’t excuse my absence. Trust me, I was negligent but not indifferent. Our friendship is invaluable, and I hope you can understand and forgive my mistake.
Warmly,
(Name)
31. Apology letter for misunderstanding their advice while overcoming alcohol addiction
Dear (friend’s name),
I want to deeply apologize for misunderstanding the advice you gave me during my journey to overcome alcohol addiction. In my struggle, I sometimes became defensive and failed to see the genuine concern and care behind your words. I now realize that you only tried to help and guide me, and I should’ve followed your advice sooner.
However, you’ll be glad to know I’ve decided to start a new exercise routine and make healthy diet changes, as you suggested. I hope this step will not only benefit my recovery but also show you how much I value your guidance. Let’s catch up soon, and thank you for your unwavering support.
Warm regards,
(Name)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apologize for hurting my friend?
Although offering an apology can be unpleasant, it is the best way to make amends for our wrongdoing. The situation can improve if you apologize sincerely by acknowledging your error, showing genuine expression of sorrow, being honest with your feelings, and accepting responsibility for your actions. You could try writing something like, I’m sorry for my behavior, I haven’t been a good friend, I feel terrible, and I realized my mistake, etc.
2. How do I apologize to my friend group?
It may appear the hardest thing to do, but apologizing to your friends can help restore their trust and love for you. Expressing regret, admitting your mistakes, assuring them a change in your behavior, and asking for forgiveness, are some ways you can try. You can also send a written message such as I am sorry; it was not intentional; I feel regretful for my actions.
3. What key elements should I include in an apology letter to my friend?
Begin the letter by expressing sincere apologies for your actions or behavior. Use clear and direct language to display your remorse. Take full responsibility for your actions and show that you understand how your behavior would have affected them. Be specific and honest in acknowledging your mistakes and apologize without conditions. Most importantly, show the willingness to make amends and reiterate your apology so your friend understands how much they mean to you.
4. Should I explain my behavior in an apology letter to friends?
Yes. It would be helpful if you explained your behavior in the apology letter. This approach is beneficial for your relationship with your friend, especially when you know your behavior was the cause of confusion or misunderstanding. Understand and reflect on the issues that made you behave in a certain way but don’t use it to shift the blame on another person. Instead, express regret over your actions and seek forgiveness.
5. Should I suggest ways to make things right in an apology letter to friends?
Yes. You can suggest ways and solutions to rectify the situation and improve your relationship with your friend. But give solutions that are specific to the issue and are actionable. For instance, you may clearly state that you are prepared to make personal sacrifices to make things right. It will make your friend realize that you genuinely want to make amends.
Friends are valuable gifts who help you through ups and downs. They support you, cheer for you, and offer you a shoulder in need. It is a blessing to find true friends in life, so if you have such people around you, do not let them go. If your relationship with your friends has wavered for some reason, set everything right by apologizing. An apology can save relationships and release the other person from hurt and misunderstanding. If you are unsure how to write an apology letter to friends, look at the samples provided. These letters can guide you to express your feelings earnestly.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Apologizing To Someone
Whether intentional or unintentional, our mistakes can be hurtful to the person on the receiving end. If that happens to be your friend, it is an even more bitter experience. So if you’ve messed up and want to apologize, explore what you should and shouldn’t do to express a sincere apology without further complicating the situation. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
