[andyfox]

There are a few problems with saying "sorry."

-It comes across as disingenuous, as he pointed out.

-It might make him think you're trying to get him to call by making him suspect you're bluffing by saying it, and lots of players see that as a kind of angle or cheap trick, especially in a "friendly" game.

-There's nothing to be sorry about. It comes across as condescending.

Other day I made a straight on the river. I was sitting in the 7 seat, from which I can't see the cards real well. A player bet and I was honestly rescanning the board to make sure there was no flush possible. So it took me a little more time than usual, and then I raised. The bettor said, "Good job, next time take a little more time." I could have given him an exlanation, but usually any explanation, even one as concise as "sorry" won't come across very well. So I said nothing, which, in my experience, is usually the best thing to say.