All of us will have to ‘I’m sorry” to a significant other at some point in our lives and if you really battle to say the actual words, a genuine sign of repentance is your next best option, and also serves as a good confirmation of the words you have said or are about to say.

Go public

The more courageous of us may well choose to say those valuable words “I’m sorry” in an effort to stave off rejection but even the most offended of us will surely be more forgiving if those very same words are shouted out long and loud in public.

Choose a venue where he or she is likely to be glued to the big screen and then cajole your way into the hearts and minds of the broadcasting bosses. It is unlikely that even the most defiled friend, sibling or lover will not fall for the on-screen apology at the Super 14 rugby clash or the T20 cricket fest down the road.

If you fail to convince the men behind the silver screens, why not look to the skies instead. Sky ads are growing in popularity and what emotionally bereft partner wouldn’t be thrilled to see the apology softly adorning the big blue?

Let the experts do it on your behalf

However, if your tongue tends to get stuck to your palate, look to the experts instead. Choose a song, lyric or poem that effectively says the words that are often so difficult to get out. Serenade your loved one with a verse from the Grammy-nominated Californian hard rock band, Buckcherry’s top ten hit, ‘Sorry’, for instance:

I’m sorry I’m bad, I’m sorry you’re blue

I’m sorry about all the things I said to you

And I know I can’t take it back

I love how you kiss, I love all your sounds

And baby the way you make my world go ’round

And I just wanted to say I’m sorry.

I’m sorry baby.

I’m sorry baby, Yeah.

I’m sorry.

You may not have the best voice, but their heart will be softened and you are more than likely to at least get a giggle out of them if you happen to be particularly tone deaf.

Opt for the tried and tested tokens of affection

Saying sorry is often more about the effort or thought you have put into the gift than the gift itself. Small tokens of affection may be the salve for any gaping emotional wounds. Cook them a sumptuous breakfast in bed or lunch al fresco on the beach. Or simply create an album with songs that bring back all the happy memories you have shared together.

Of course, for women there has always been one sure fire way of tempering troubles and that is by sending flowers…or even handpicking them yourself – she more than likely won’t be able to stay angry long.