It never works, it may be necessary, it may be invigorating, bit nobody wins an argument. And here I mean with family, and friends. It’s futile.
argument (n.)
early 14c., "statements and reasoning in support of a proposition or causing belief in a doubtful matter," from Old French arguement "reasoning, opinion; accusation, charge" (13c.), from Latin argumentum "a logical argument; evidence, ground, support, proof," from arguere "make clear, make known, prove" (see argue). The sense in English passed through "subject of contention" (1590s) to "a quarrel" (by 1911), a sense formerly attached to argumentation.
So what if you were wrong, not in an argument, but just on your own. Is an apology ever sincere? Of course it is — but why offer an apology with excuses? An excuse is an argument. An apology is an argument. Again, I’m referring to family and friends. You don’t even need to apologize — simply say, I’m sorry.