I think I've really hurt several people's feelings. Yesterday I said a bad word to Friend A about Friend B and Friend C, and I don't think any of them will like me anymore. I feel really bad. What should I do?
Elizabeth
No one is perfect. Most people have been in the situation you're in. What makes the difference is what you do next.
You should make a sincere apology (道歉). Try saying, "What I did the other day wasn't right. I shouldn't have said that. I just want to say I'm sorry."
Let the person know you're not going to let it happen again. You could tell your friends, "I'm going to pay more attention to what I think and say in the future. I'll try to be kinder to people, and not to talk behind their back."
Apologize in person (亲自). Having a talk with your friend is best. If you can't do it, write a note. Some people are quick to forgive, but others may need time to get out of hurting feelings.
Forgive (原谅) yourself, too. You can learn from mistakes. You can't change the bad things you have done. You should let yourself get out of it and try to make things right in the future.
Robert