Edit Article

wikiHow to Write an Apology Note to a Friend

Community Q&A

Have you ever gotten your friend mad at you for whatever reason, or hurt his/her feelings? You've most likely felt sorry afterward, and wanted to patch things up with them. Sometimes, you don't because you don't know how, or you may have only made things worse. So here's a guide for all you people who want to write a note as a form of apology.


  1. 1
    Think about what you did and to whom you did it. There are many different ways to apologize.
  2. 2
    When you've decided that this person is truly angry with you, think about how you feel; are you also angry at them? Why are you angry at them? (make sure to know this specifically).
  3. 3
    People say that writing a note is a bad idea, but some people find that when they are very angry talking to them face to face is nearly impossible, because they will interrupt you, try to intimidate you, or get you mad all over again. So get ready to start writing!
  4. 4
    Decide whether you want to hand write it or type it up. (See 'tips' to help you decide.)Sometimes If They let you know over text or a social networking site it is best to apologise but then wait and maybe see them until you tell the full story.
  5. 5
    Once you've decided, get your stuff together. Get your computer, or a pen, and some notebook or printer paper. (see below to help you decide what pen to use.)
  6. 6
    Start two spaces from the top of the page, or two lines from the first line on paper. Sometimes, it is easier to just get to the point and apologize before you write "Dear ___." Leaving 2 spaces gives you room to do that after you have written your letter.
  7. 7
    Start of by writing something along the lines of 'I know you're really angry at me, but I just want to explain what happened.' Tell them why you did what you did, but don't put too much blame on them. Apologize to them, and let them know that you regret it. Let Your Friends know you'll do anything to make amends but don't seem too eager.
  8. 8
    Start writing down what they did that made you mad. Don't get too offensive or mean, but say something like 'It really hurt my feelings when you did/said ...'
  9. 9
    Finish up by writing about friendship. You can say something like 'They say that the threads of friendship can never break, and I think that's true,' if you want. Mainly, just write that you hope they accept your apology and that you hope you can work things out. Write sorry again, then sign off by simply saying 'Your Friend (Hopefully), ...' or something like that.
  10. 10
    Fold it up (not too small) and write the person's name on the front.

Community Q&A

    Ask a Question
    200 characters left


      • There are also advantages to writing by hand. Before you get home from school, you could write it whenever you have some extra time in class.
      • Read over the note a few times to make sure that everything sounds right. Pretend your the person you are mad at. Would you forgive you?
      • Prevention is better, try to stop an argument with your friend before it escalates too much.
      • If there are many reasons you did what you did, or why you're mad at them, don't try to cram them into one or two sentences. List them all.
      • Make sure to tell your friend that you hope they will understand that you made a mistake that you will learn from and will never do again.
      • Writing the note by hand gives off a more sincere and genuine feeling of wanting to apologize, instead of taking the easy way out and typing it up.
      • After giving them the note and they've become a little more open, you should talk to them face-to-face. This will also help clear the air.
      • The letter shouldn't be too depressing. It should be in good will, but not too cheerful. You want them to know that you feel some remorse for your actions.
      • Providing a cute picture at the bottom could help you, like a sad face.
      • When writing a note by hand, be careful about the ink you use. Don't use red, orange, pink, or yellow ink, because these colors can be harsh and the sub conscience mind can react to that negatively. Use cool colours, like light blue, navy blue, or even classic black. Make sure it's not hard to read because the person could get frustrated with out even reading your note!
      • Gel pens glide smoothly for better handwriting, but erasable pens can be choppy and irritating. Just make sure you wait for the gel pen to dry before folding it, or else it'll smudge.
      • There are many advantages of typing up your note, like the fact that it will be easier to read. Also, when you type it up, you can go back and edit it without your hands getting tired or using up the ink in your pen. Another advantage is that the person you give it to will see that you took your time writing this and you thought it over. You could even put in a funny clip art or a border!
      • If you're dealing with a non-academic person (somebody who is good at sports, modeling, crafts, etc. but isn't too strong with reading, writing) then don't use complex diction, because they will think you're trying to make them feel stupid when they aren't.
      • You should directly deliver the note yourself. Just slip it to them, you don't have to look them in the eye or anything. If you don't want to, have somebody you and the other person trusts, like a mutual friend.
      • Make it personal to them.


      • The other party may still be angry at you, even though you apologize. Just give them time.
      • They don't have to forgive you. All you can do is apologize, and if they don't accept it, then move on, they're evidently not worth it!

      Article Info

      Categories: Making Up with Friends | Letters

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 48,455 times.

      Did this article help you?