Friendship woes don’t end in junior high. We all mess up sometimes
and end up hurting a friend’s feelings. But now that we’re adults, we
can forgive each other as long as we know the mess-up wasn’t
intentional. If you’ve ever forgotten your pal’s birthday, or had an eye
on her ex, here’s how to make things right and move on. Faux Pas #1: You Forgot Her Birthday
The moment you realize the date got away from you, “offer an apology, but not an excuse,” says Irene Levine, PhD, professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine, and author of Best Friends Forever. An “oops” birthday card or gift and an offer to buy her a drink or lunch are good moves. Remember, too, that how much your friend is hurt by your forgetfulness depends on her birthday-importance meter. If she’s super-sensitive (what Dr. Levine calls a “birthday princess”), you may have to work harder to get back in her good graces.
