I'm Sorry Gifts
From Giftypedia
Flowers work for some situations, however, if used too often or in the wrong circumstances, they could actually end up extending your stay in the dreaded dog house. So what gifts do help? The answer, simply stated, is that it depends on how bad you screwed up. To assist, we've researched the topic (with people who've got in trouble a lot) and have put together the I'm Sorry Table complete with tips on what types of gifts go with different types of "offenses."
| Level | You're Likely at This Level if... | What You Probably Did | Gift or Gesture to Help Smooth Things Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defcon 4 | there is excessive pouting. | Forgot to call, neglected household duties, too much nagging, careless remark that offended them, you showed impatience or minor loss of temper. | You're not in too much trouble. A simple I'm Sorry coupled with a card or sweet gesture should do the trick. |
| Defcon 3 | things are awfully quiet. | Caught flirting, were rude, disrespected their family, chronic nagging, loss of temper, made hurtful comments about their weight or looks, stayed out too late without good explanation, or spent too much money. | You've got some making up to do. You'll probably need flowers or candy, simple jewelry or a romantic/homemade dinner. (NOTE: Avoid the candy or dinner if you're in trouble because of comments about their weight. Avoid jewelry if you spent too much money.) |
| Defcon 2 | you're sleeping on the couch. | Caught contacting your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, they discovered your previously unknown myspace.com page, caught taking off wedding ring in public, caught in inappropriate chat rooms or email correspondence, lost significant money from gambling or ill-advised investment, forgot birthday/anniversary, or you've wrecked the car. | You definitely need to get your game face on and get to business. Suggestions include: sentimental or meaningful jewelry (pricey doesn't hurt either), a surprise gift at office, public display of commitment or public apology, romantic trip, tattoo their name on you. |
| Defcon 1 | your belongings are in the yard. | Had an affair or a second life, were caught using a dating service, you moved out or skipped town, they became aware of previously unknown kids. | Drastic times call for drastic measures. You'll want to consider offering to enthusiastically attend marriage counseling, or renewing your wedding vows. A new car or house might work. Amazingly expensive jewelry also can help in some cases. |
| IMPORTANT: If you are a repeat offender, do not keep getting the same gifts. Mix it up! | |||
[edit] How to say "I'm Sorry"
As mentioned, the gift is the smaller part of the I'm Sorry process. It's used to lighten the mood and to help show your newfound thoughtfulness. The I'm Sorry part, is the important part. Below is a brief reminder on how to give a good apology:
- State the details of the situation
- Recognize how you hurt the other person
- Take responsibility for what you did
- Be sincere and show your remorse
- Address how you will make it better
- Ask for forgiveness, though, be prepared to wait until they are ready to forgive
