When people are scared, they get defensive. When they're defensive, they're much harder to connect with because they're feeling an overwhelming urge to either fight or flee.
If someone apologizes to you, you might be tempted to let him or her off the hook quickly by saying "That's okay." Instead, receive the apology by saying "Thank you" or
"I appreciate that." Let the other person finish talking, instead of interrupting to say
"No, no, no-don't worry about it." Let others apologize to you when they've done something : inconsiderate or thoughtless, even if it's a small transgression.