As a relationship coach, I have advised individuals to remember that whenever one overreacts to a comment or situation that there is something else that is triggering the reaction. It's not in the current moment; you just put your finger on the button.

Have you had this experience in love? You're engaged in some teasing banter with your loved one that goes a bit too far. You know just as the offending comment came out of your mouth, you said the wrong thing and a blow up was about to take place.

Perhaps this type of episode? During a pleasant evening together you say something that triggers an eruption from your loved one. You are so surprised that all you can say is "I'm sorry," which your sweetheart can't hear in the heat of the moment. You don't know what you need to be sorry about, but know it was the wrong thing to say.

Those episodes can shake the relationship emotionally, but can be ideal opportunities to achieve closeness if you learn how to communicate your regret in the right way. Here's my advice on how you can communicate a successful apology: