It's great that you've already taken the step to apologize to your work colleagues and that they seem understanding about the situation. Embarrassing moments can be uncomfortable, but there are steps you can take to make the next encounter less awkward:
Be Professional and Respectful: When you next see your colleagues at work, focus on maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor. Treat them as you would any other co-worker and avoid dwelling on the past incident.
Acknowledge the Situation (if Necessary): If you feel it's appropriate, you can briefly acknowledge the previous incident in a light-hearted and non-defensive manner. For example, you could say something like, "I'm glad we could address that awkward moment. Let's move forward."
Avoid Over-Apologizing: While it's essential to apologize for any inappropriate behavior, continually bringing up the incident might make things more awkward. Once you've apologized sincerely, it's best to focus on moving forward positively.
Engage in Positive Interactions: Try to engage your colleagues in conversations or activities related to work or shared interests. Focus on building positive interactions and fostering a professional relationship.
Let Time Heal: With time, the awkwardness from the past incident is likely to dissipate naturally. Continue to show that you're committed to being a reliable and respectful colleague.
Consider a Casual Outing (if appropriate): If your colleagues seem open to it and you have a friendly relationship with them outside of work, you could consider inviting them to a casual get-together. This can be an opportunity to socialize in a more relaxed setting and reinforce positive connections. However, don't force this if it doesn't feel right or if they may not be comfortable with it.
Focus on Personal Growth: Use this experience as a catalyst for personal growth and consider addressing any issues related to alcohol consumption, if applicable. Seeking support through counseling, therapy, or support groups can be beneficial in making positive changes in your life.
Remember, it's normal to feel a bit awkward after such an incident, but people are generally understanding, especially if you have taken responsibility and apologized. Keep moving forward with a positive attitude, and over time, the awkwardness should subside as your actions show that you are committed to being a reliable and respectful colleague.