Apologizing while they’re still furious is mostly for you. Give it a day and it’s for them.

A fast apology often serves the person making it. It relieves your own discomfort and asks the other person to do the work of accepting before they have finished being hurt. Letting the heat drop first means the same words arrive as something offered rather than something you need back.

If you owe someone an apology and they are still angry, say only that you were wrong and that you will give them room. Come back a day later without defending yourself. Ask what would help rather than asking to be forgiven.