Sometimes people are pressured to apologize because someone else is really upset.

Even if the really upset person is completely in the wrong, there is pressure on the innocent person to apologize.

So, for example, let’s consider the relationship between David and Saul. Some people would say, “David needs to say he’s sorry, and make things right with Saul. Saul is clearly very upset, and David isn’t sinless. Certainly David could find something to say he’s sorry for! And Saul is the king! David should honor Saul by being the one to humble himself and start the repentance and reconciliation process.”

Other examples would be Haman & Mordecai. Martha & Mary. The older son and the father in Luke 15. Joseph and his brothers.