From the archive

An apology without change is permission to do it again

But the right words don't return the money, finish the missed work, or make a home safer. They communicate an intention. Afterward, I'd like to see what that intention does to behavior. If nothing changes, the apology starts looking like a renewal fee for access. They said the necessary lines, you opened the door again, the terms remained the same. Not a bad deal. Especially for them.