How to apologise 101
a) Do not try to explain why you did what you did, theres never an excuse good enough.

b) Do not tell people to lighten up,or whatever- thats their opinion on what offends them.

c) The nice/nasty combo doesn't work in that situation, if you are truly sorry, say so without trying to make humour of it. Even Gaz the person.

And just realise that you didn't mean to, but you trod on someones toes. And you have been becoming more lairy since you started haunting /talk, but as they say, there is always an ignore/off button on here- even if, as you say, "'ignore' is the sanctuary of losers".
( Duke Of Belmsford has got 99 records, but Jay-Z ain't one, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 8:32, Reply)