In order to be effective, however, apologies should be sincere. "I'm sorry already. Get off my back!" does not qualify.

My husband, Dan, frequently uses what I call the hidden-meaning apology. "BOY, am I sorry!" he'll mutter, leaving me to ponder what he REALLY meant.

One doesn't have to be a great orator to apologize, yet people go to unbelievable lengths to avoid saying, "I'm sorry." President Clinton even faced impeachment before spitting it out.

Still, apologizing is an art. And while verbalizing it certainly helps to right a wrong, a more convincing apology might include a delicate pair of roses. Guys may prefer a delicate pair of football tickets, which leads me to another issue. Many women share the erroneous belief that only men should be contrite.

Although we ladies are practically perfect, we do pull a boner every now and then. And it's only fair we grovel for forgiveness like our male counterparts. <continued below>

In lieu of a gift, a little flattery goes a long way. Last time Dan occupied the proverbial dog house, he gushed, "How could I upset someone as sweet and kind and beautiful as you?" And who was I to disagree? Of course, you don't want to go overboard with adulation or you risk sounding --ah-- insincere.

Regardless of who wronged who, mutual apologies work wonders in a relationship. One person says "I'm sorry," and the other replies, "I'm sorry, too." It sounds like a movie and its sequel, but both parties feel better when they share the blame.

Sometimes a whole group is at fault. I scanned an article entitled "Apology suggested for nuke test victims". It seems the U.S. Government used some unfortunate people in secret radiation experiments during the Cold War. Well, I should SAY an apology is in order!

Right after the incident, it should have slapped its political forehead and said, "What was I thinking??? I am REALLY sorry!"

What lesson can be learned from that overdue apology? That it's apparently never too late to say, "I'm sorry." Consequently, I'm making a list of people to whom I owe amends. Let's see... my first grade teacher,...

For more of Corky Corcoran's humor, see her weekly column in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram Online. Visit her site.