Anger & StressAnxiety & Insecurity in ParentsCouples IssuesCouples TherapyDifficult ConversationsDisguised (& Overt) HostilityDreaded ConversationsFamily IssuesFamily Issues in AdulthoodInfluencing People ConstructivelyManaging Problem BehaviorMarital & In-law IssuesMen’s IssuesMidlife CrisisPopular Psychology TopicsRelationship IssuesRewiring Your HabitsSelf-Defeating PatternsThe Art of PersuasionThe Danger of Perfectionism in TeensThe Male MindWhen Parents Split Up

Apology Not Accepted: Why “Sorry” Won’t Get You Off the Hook

Dr. Lynn Margolies
by Dr. Lynn Margolies
Learn the psychology behind bad apologies (and a simple formula for success).
Psychology Today [View Article]
A woman carries two boxes labeled "Living Room #4" while a man checks his phone.
Dr. Lynn Margolies

by Dr. Lynn Margolies

Dr. Lynn Margolies is a Ph.D. licensed experienced psychologist. She was trained at McLean Hospital, a Harvard teaching hospital, and was a Harvard Medical School Instructor and Fellow. Read Bio

Similar Topics

Anger & StressAnxiety & Insecurity in ParentsCouples IssuesCouples TherapyDifficult ConversationsDisguised (& Overt) HostilityDreaded ConversationsFamily IssuesFamily Issues in AdulthoodInfluencing People ConstructivelyManaging Problem BehaviorMarital & In-law IssuesMen’s IssuesMidlife CrisisPopular Psychology TopicsRelationship IssuesRewiring Your HabitsSelf-Defeating PatternsThe Art of PersuasionThe Danger of Perfectionism in TeensThe Male MindWhen Parents Split Up

See Related Articles

Anger & StressBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyMen’s IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressOvercoming Shame & GuiltPopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceRebellion & DefianceRewiring Your HabitsSelf-Defeating PatternsShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Male MindUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) Reveal When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: The Raw Power of Repentance (French,…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 28, 2026
Clear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHelping Teens Do WellInfluencing People ConstructivelyParenting ChallengesPopular Psychology TopicsUnintended Effects of Popular Advice The Teen Temperament

The Teen Temperament

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on a New York Times Column: Younger Teenagers Make Their Case to…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 17, 2026
Assertiveness & BoundariesClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesEarning RespectFollowing Your ValuesInfluencing People ConstructivelyPopular Psychology TopicsThe Cost of Being Overly AccommodatingThe Cost of Self-BetrayalUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceWhat Your Words (& Actions) Reveal Jordan Neely Was Hungry. Did No One Offer Him Something to Eat?

Jordan Neely Was Hungry. Did No One Offer Him Something to Eat?

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on a Boston Globe Column: A Black man desperate for help instead…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 15, 2026