The consequences of theft are never pleasant. Stealing from a family member is an entirely different matter altogether. The amount of guilt involved is much more than when you would steal from someone who is not a family member. If you have found yourself in a situation where your stealing habit has been made known to your family, there is only one thing that you can do – apologize.
Facing family members whom you have done wrong to is not easy. It is best to write an apology letter to them as a whole, explaining why you stole from them and what you intend to do to make amends – and of course, apologizing for your terrible judgment in doing so. By writing it all on a piece of paper, you will be able to explain without receiving immediate reprimand from people who will obviously be upset at what you have done. To save yourself from a bombardment of questions and blames, it is best to explain your folly in a letter, rather than admitting it in person.
Your apology letter must be to the point. While you do need to explain why you stole from your family, excuses will not do. Instead of making it look like you are making an excuse, use language and tone to highlight the fact that you will not repeat the deed again. Here is how you can do this:
Apology Letter for Stealing from Family
November 23, 2016
Dear Family:
The reason that I am writing to all of you collectively and not talking in person is the fact that I am terribly ashamed of my misdeeds in the past few months. While stealing was never something that I had resorted to even in times of terrible financial crises, I found myself in a situation where I could not stop from taking money and other valuables that were not rightfully mine.
I am aware of the fact that I have hurt all of you tremendously and this makes me extremely sad. While hurting any of you was never my intention, this is precisely what I have done by deceiving you and taking possessions and cash that rightfully belonged to all of you. Perhaps, I should have used my better judgment and asked you for financial help instead of stealing. Alas!
Please know that I am extremely ashamed and feel terrible about my misdeeds. I vow to return every penny that I have taken from you within the next few months. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my foolishness, and for hurting all of you so terribly.
Love,
Mathew Craig