How do manipulators apologize?

If the manipulator apologizes, they do it in a way that points the finger back at you. The underlying message is, “I'm sorry you think I did (or said) something wrong, but ultimately, that's on you. I'm innocent, you're overreacting, and I'm hurt that you would attack me this way.”
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What does a manipulative apology look like?

The following are some examples: “I'm sorry. I was wrong and I know it but if you hadn't pressured me the way you did, I would never have done it. You have no idea how bad you made me feel about myself, what with your anger and blame, and I found myself looking for positive attention elsewhere.” Uh-huh.
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How do you know if an apology is manipulative?

The thing is: ambiguously intentional offenses open the door for manipulation. If the intention is ambiguous, they can claim they didn't intend to hurt you when, in fact, they did. People who're offended often demand clear-cut apologies stripped off of any excuses. They should, but only when the offense is intentional.
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What does it mean when a narcissist apologizes?

Narcissists use apologies to return the advantage to them.

Narcissists seem to think saying they're sorry and will get them instant forgiveness. An apology is a get-out-of-jail-free card for narcissists, and when they play it, it's to get back their power — not give it away.
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Is apology without change manipulation?

Apologies without change is manipulation. Gaslighting is manipulation, when you feel like you're going crazy because the other person can't hold themselves accountable and they put the blame on you.
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How to spot an emotionally manipulative apology



What is a toxic apology?

The toxic apology part 2

This sounds almost reasonable but is, in fact, anything but reasonable. It is a form of words designed to make you look like the bad guy by suggesting that you have been ungracious and unbending, as well as having unrealistic expectations.
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What is a backhanded apology?

A non-apology apology, sometimes called a backhanded apology, nonpology, or fauxpology, is a statement in the form of an apology that does not express remorse, or assigns fault to those ostensibly receiving the apology.
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How do you respond to a narcissist that says sorry?

How to Respond to a Narcissist's Apology
  1. 1 Recognize the signs of a bad apology.
  2. 2 Ask them if they can see your perspective.
  3. 3 Communicate your boundaries clearly.
  4. 4 Let them know you're disappointed in them.
  5. 5 Tell them you won't accept an apology at the moment.
  6. 6 Keep yourself safe from an outburst.
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How will a narcissist react to being ignored?

How will a narcissist react to being ignored. If you ignore a narcissist and deny them their source, they may become enraged and try even harder for your attention – especially in ways that can be toxic or abusive. Ignoring a narcissist will enrage them because of their fragile egos.
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How do you make a narcissist miserable?

How to Make a Narcissist Miserable: 12 Things They Can't Stand
  1. Ignore them.
  2. Act indifferent toward them.
  3. Tell them how happy you are.
  4. Speak in facts, not emotions.
  5. Set boundaries and stick to them.
  6. Tell them no.
  7. Give them an ultimatum for commitment.
  8. Push them to answer to authority.
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What does a genuine apology look like?

A real apology has three main components: (1) it acknowledges the actions taken and resulting pain inflicted on you; (2) it provides an action plan for how s/he will right the wrong; and (3) there is an actual change in behavior proving to you that there won't be a repeat of the past.
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What is a passive aggressive apology?

Im sorry, Im sorry, Im sorry. This is a passive-aggressive apology done to silence the other person and move onto a different topic. It minimizes what the other person has experienced. Im sorry but But is a qualifier. If a person cannot say sorry without adding a but, then they are not sorry.
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How do you break down a manipulator?

These seven steps will help you identify, dismantle, and destroy a manipulative personality for good.
  1. Step 1Spot a Manipulator. ...
  2. Step 2Be as Unemotional as Their Souls. ...
  3. Step 3Ask Them Too Many Personal Questions. ...
  4. Step 4Find a Flaw & Point It Out Without Letting Up. ...
  5. Step 5Incorporate More Small Talk in the Conversation.
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How do you respond to someone trying to manipulate you?

You might try these approaches:
  1. Acknowledge their perspective. “I know you're stressed because you have a lot to do for this gathering.”
  2. Express your anger and hurt in a calm and polite way. “I've asked you before not to shout at me. ...
  3. Explain how the manipulation affects you and the relationship.
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What is considered manipulative behavior?

Manipulation is when a person uses controlling and harmful behaviors to avoid responsibility, conceal their true intentions, or cause doubt and confusion. Manipulation tactics, such as gaslighting, lying, blaming, criticizing, and shaming, can be incredibly damaging to a person's psychological well-being.
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What should you not say in an apology?

Don't say things like “I really didn't mean it when I said…” or “I did x because Sally did y…”. It lessens the effectiveness of the apology by making you sound insincere. Shifting blame. Avoid saying things like “I'm sorry you were offended” or “I'm sorry the group felt like I was out of line”.
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Does a narcissist regret losing you?

Realize that people with NPD can't feel regret. Come to terms with the fact that you can't make them feel a certain way. Push yourself to move on because the narcissist won't miss you—they'll miss whatever they were getting from you. Unfortunately, people with NPD can't give genuine love.
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How does a narcissist feel when you go no contact while they are doing the same to you?

They can be moody, angry and irritable

A narcissist struggles with no in-person contact because they utilize body language to communicate, get their needs met, and maintain control. They have low self-esteem, and without validation, they can come become moody, angry, and irritable.
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When the narcissist knows you have figured him out?

2. They exude manipulative behaviors. When a narcissist is exposed or when the narcissist knows you have figured him out, they will never admit the truth even if it is staring them in the face. A narcissist will lay several false accusations and try to make him right.
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How does a narcissist act when they are mad?

Someone experiencing narcissistic rage may feel that someone else or an event in their life is threatening or may injure their self-esteem or self-worth. They may act and feel grandiose and superior to others.
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What happens when a narcissist is mad at you?

The rage associated with a narcissistic injury ranges from mild irritation to outright physical attacks. Some narcissists will gaslight, deflect, project, verbally assault, or collapse. Depending on the severity of the injury, others may be physically aggressive, becoming incredibly dangerous.
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What makes a narcissist angry?

Revealing their insecurity At the heart of every narcissist, is deep-rooted insecurity that causes shame or doubt such as abuse. Most of the displayed grandiosity is an effort to cover up that insecurity. But the second it is revealed, the narcissist becomes angry in order to deflect the shameful image.
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What is a weak apology?

The Incomplete Apology.

For example, you might take partial responsibility for your role, but not express regret or ask forgiveness. Or you might express some regret for the circumstances of the other person, but not admit your role.
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What is a conditional apology?

This is a conditional apology. It falls short of a full apology by suggesting only that somethingmight have happened. Examples: I am sorry if I did anything wrong I am sorry if you were offended.
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How do you reject an insincere apology?

“Thank you for offering your apology. I would really like to forgive this, but right now, I cannot — what you did was very hurtful to me and it will take some time to heal. In the meantime, we need to function as co-workers and I would prefer to keep any interaction between us as business professionals only.
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