DEAR ABBY: If someone says, "I owe you an apology," but says nothing more, is that an apology? If an apology is "owed," shouldn't the person say, "I'm sorry"? -- STILL MIFFED IN OCEANSIDE, CALIF.
DEAR STILL MIFFED: When someone says, "I owe you an apology," it is an admission of guilt, not an apology. What you have described is a half-hearted, "miserly" effort to make amends. The apology is implied, but not clearly stated, and frankly, I can see why you're still miffed.