You should apologize when you hurt someone or something.
Carol and Marty have an argument and Carol says some very harsh words to Marty.
Carol wants to feel better about what she did.
Carol expresses that though still angry, that there was no justification for how she spoke and apologizes.
Carol justifies her reason behind what she said and does not apologize to Marty.
Marty accepts and they settle the dispute peacefully shortly after.
They do not talk for weeks and the marriage is strained for months.