You shouldn't refuse to apologize to your partner.
Chris has been in an argument all day with his wife and just realized he was actually in the wrong the whole time.
Chris wants to stop the argument.
Chris tells his wife about his realization and offers to make amends for his error in the argument.
Chris tells his wife that he is done arguing and wants to just drop it, but never mentions that he found out he was wrong.
Chris's wife accepts his apology and the couple agree to talk things out better in the future.
Chris and his wife never settle the issue and it is bad for their relationship.