175 Ideas on What to Say When Someone Apologizes Over Text

Receiving an apology over text can feel different than hearing it in person. You might wonder what to say when someone apologizes over text, especially if you’re processing mixed emotions or considering how to respond thoughtfully.

Whether you’re ready to accept the apology, need time to reflect, or want to communicate unresolved feelings, choosing the right words can bring clarity and closure. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of responses, from appreciating their message to setting boundaries, so you can handle these conversations with care and authenticity.

Acknowledging and Validating the Apology

When someone takes the time to apologize, simply acknowledging their effort can go a long way. Validating the apology shows that you’ve received it, which is often all the other person needs to know initially. Here are ways to let them know you’ve read and appreciate their message without going into too much detail.

“Thank you for reaching out with your apology.”
“I appreciate your honesty in apologizing.”
“Your apology means a lot, thank you.”
“It’s good to hear from you and get your perspective.”
“I respect you taking responsibility for this.”
“Thank you for being open about this—it’s helpful to me.”
“I received your message, and I appreciate your words.”
“Thanks for acknowledging how things affected me.”
“It’s not easy to apologize, so thank you.”
“I see your effort in reaching out, thank you.”
“I understand your perspective, and I appreciate your message.”
“Your apology shows a lot of maturity, and I value that.”
“I respect the thoughtfulness behind your words.”
“Thanks for clarifying things from your side.”
“I appreciate you taking the time to say this.”
“Your message means a lot to me.”
“Thanks for letting me know you’re thinking about this.”
“I’m grateful for your words and your honesty.”
“It’s reassuring to hear you acknowledge this.”
“Your message is appreciated. Thank you.”
“Thank you for taking responsibility in this situation.”
“I can see you’ve given this thought, and it means a lot.”
“Thanks for recognizing how this might have affected me.”
“I value your message and the thought behind it.”
“Thank you for your apology and for being thoughtful about it.”

Expressing Appreciation and Forgiveness

If you feel ready to forgive and move forward, expressing appreciation or extending forgiveness can help to repair and strengthen your relationship. These responses convey that you recognize their sincerity and are open to letting go of any lingering resentment. Use these phrases to show acceptance and a willingness to move past the issue.

“I accept your apology and am grateful for it.”
“Thank you for apologizing; I appreciate your honesty.”
“I’m glad you reached out; I forgive you.”
“Your message means a lot, and I’m ready to move forward.”
“Thank you for recognizing what happened—I forgive you.”
“Apology accepted. Let’s work on moving past this.”
“I appreciate the apology and am happy to let this go.”
“Thank you; I know it took courage to apologize.”
“It means a lot that you’re being accountable.”
“I appreciate your words and the chance to move on.”
“I forgive you and am ready to focus on the positive.”
“Your message gives me closure; thank you.”
“I’m grateful for your words and am happy to forgive.”
“It means a lot to hear this, and I’m at peace.”
“I appreciate your message and am ready to move forward.”
“Thanks for saying this; it clears things up for me.”
“I feel we can both move forward now. Thank you.”
“Thank you for your words; I’m open to a fresh start.”
“I accept the apology and appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“Your apology means a lot. Let’s start fresh.”
“I respect your words, and I’m happy to let this go.”
“Thanks for reaching out. I’m ready to move forward.”
“I appreciate your apology and the effort to make things right.”
“Thank you. I’m open to starting over on a positive note.”
“I’m glad you reached out; let’s put this behind us.”

Responding When You Need Time to Process

Sometimes, an apology may bring up complex feelings that require time to process. It’s okay to let the other person know that you’re grateful for the apology but need a bit of space to reflect. Here are responses that communicate your need for time while still acknowledging their apology.

“Thank you; I need some time to think this over.”
“I appreciate your apology. I just need a little time.”
“Thanks for the message. I’ll need some time to process.”
“I’ll respond more fully when I’ve had some time to think.”
“Thank you for apologizing. I’d like a moment to reflect.”
“This means a lot; I just need time to process it.”
“I appreciate your apology, and I’ll reach out soon with my thoughts.”
“Thanks for saying this. I’ll need some time to sort through my feelings.”
“Thank you. I’ll get back to you once I’ve had some time to process.”
“I appreciate the message, but I’ll need a bit to think about this.”
“Thanks for the apology; I’ll need a little space to process.”
“I’m grateful for your message, but I need time to reflect.”
“Thank you for reaching out. I’ll respond soon once I’ve thought things over.”
“I’m processing a lot right now, but thank you for the apology.”
“This means a lot. I’ll let you know my thoughts soon.”
“Thank you. I’m going to take some time to reflect on this.”
“I appreciate your message. I just need a little time.”
“Thank you; I’ll be in touch once I’ve reflected a bit.”
“This means a lot to me. I need time to process everything.”
“Thank you. I need to take a moment to think things over.”
“I’m grateful for your words, and I’ll reach out soon.”
“Thanks for apologizing; I’m taking time to process.”
“I appreciate your apology. I’ll respond once I’ve thought it over.”
“Thank you. I’ll need some space to work through my feelings.”
“I’m grateful for this message, but I need a little time to think.”

Addressing Unresolved Feelings or Concerns

In some cases, an apology may not address everything you’re feeling. If you need to express unresolved concerns or ask for more clarity, responding thoughtfully can help open a dialogue. These responses provide ways to acknowledge the apology while gently encouraging further conversation.

“Thank you, but I still feel we need to discuss this further.”
“I appreciate your apology, but there are still things on my mind.”
“Thank you; I’d like to talk more about how this affected me.”
“Your apology means a lot, but I have unresolved feelings.”
“Thanks for reaching out. Can we talk more about this sometime?”
“I appreciate the apology, though I’m still processing my emotions.”
“Your message is appreciated, but I think we need to talk more.”
“I still feel some things were left unsaid. Can we discuss?”
“Thank you for the apology, but I have some lingering feelings.”
“I appreciate your words. I just feel we need a bit more clarity.”
“Thanks for saying this; can we have a more in-depth conversation?”
“Your apology means a lot, though I still feel affected.”
“I appreciate this, but I’d like to discuss a few points further.”
“Thanks for the message. There’s still some healing I need.”
“I appreciate your apology, but I think we should talk soon.”
“Thank you for reaching out. Can we chat more about it?”
“I value your apology, but I’m left with lingering questions.”
“I’m glad you reached out. Can we discuss this further?”
“Thank you. I still feel some things need to be addressed.”
“Your message means a lot, but I think we need to talk.”
“I’d like us to address a few unresolved things together.”
“Thanks for this message. I still have some concerns.”
“Your apology is appreciated, but I’d like to speak more openly.”
“Thank you for reaching out; I have some additional thoughts.”
“I appreciate the apology. I just feel there’s more to discuss.”

Setting Boundaries if Necessary

When an apology comes from someone who has repeatedly crossed boundaries or caused harm, it may be necessary to assertively set limits. These responses allow you to accept the apology while also communicating the need for space or distance. Use these phrases to set respectful boundaries while still acknowledging their effort to apologize.

“Thank you for apologizing, but I need some time apart.”
“I appreciate the message, but I’m setting boundaries right now.”
“Thank you; I’m not ready to reconnect just yet.”
“I appreciate your words, but I need distance to heal.”
“Thanks for reaching out; I’ll need more time before continuing.”
“Thank you, but I’m choosing to focus on myself right now.”
“I appreciate your apology, but I need to set some space.”
“Thanks for the message. I need distance for my well-being.”
“I respect your message, but I’m not ready to resume things.”
“Thank you; I’m currently focusing on my personal space.”
“I’m grateful for your words, but I’m maintaining my boundaries.”
“Thank you for reaching out. I’m choosing space right now.”
“I appreciate your apology, but I’m setting healthy limits for myself.”
“Thank you. I need to take a step back right now.”
“I respect the message, but I need time to work on myself.”
“Thanks for apologizing, but I’m prioritizing my own boundaries.”
“I appreciate it, but I’m focusing on self-care and space.”
“Thank you. I’m creating distance for my own healing.”
“Thanks for the apology; I’ll need time before I’m ready.”
“I’m grateful for your message. I need more space to reflect.”
“I value your words, but I’m focusing on my personal journey.”
“Thank you; I’m working on setting boundaries for myself.”
“I respect your apology, but I’m not ready to reconnect.”
“Thank you. I’m focusing on my well-being and need space.”
“Thanks for reaching out. I’m taking this time for myself.”

Closing the Conversation with Kindness

Sometimes, a simple acknowledgment and a kind closing are all that’s needed to respond to an apology. These responses are best suited for situations where you want to acknowledge their message without diving deeply into the past. Here’s how to graciously accept and move on.

“Thank you for your message; take care.”
“I appreciate the apology; all the best moving forward.”
“Thank you. Wishing you well.”
“I’m grateful for your words; let’s both move forward positively.”
“Thank you; I appreciate your message.”
“Thanks for reaching out. All the best.”
“I appreciate this message; take care of yourself.”
“Thank you for your apology; I wish you well.”
“Thanks for this message. I wish you peace and positivity.”
“I appreciate the thoughtfulness; wishing you the best.”
“Thank you. Take care as you move forward.”
“I’m glad we talked; best wishes to you.”
“Thank you for the apology; may you find peace.”
“Thank you; let’s move forward with good intentions.”
“Thank you. Wishing you all the best.”
“Your message means a lot; I wish you well.”
“Thank you for this message; take care.”
“Thanks for reaching out; I wish you peace.”
“Thank you; I’m glad we could exchange words.”
“I appreciate your words; take good care.”
“Your apology is appreciated; wishing you well.”
“Thank you. I hope everything goes well for you.”
“I appreciate your message; may things go positively for you.”
“Thank you for this; all the best moving forward.”
“Thank you. I wish you kindness and peace.”

Example Responses for Common Scenarios

Different situations call for different types of responses, especially when apologies come from friends, family members, or coworkers. Here are some adaptable examples to help you respond thoughtfully to apologies in various scenarios, allowing you to match your response to the relationship context.