A Swift Boat Sailors ingenious 4 step guide to be followed if someone does not like what you said or did.
Step #1
Try this skillful little phrase. I find it works well most of the time and there will be no need for step #2
"I am really sorry if I offended you in any way. It was not my intention. Please accept my apology"
*In most scenarios that should be sufficient for any Swift Boat Sailor, or for that matter any Vietnam Veteran. On those rare occasions when that does not achieve the goal, it will necessitate moving on to step #2