What is a defensive apology?

2. The defensive apology. This one takes a bit of finesse and sleight-of-hand to pull off and it may actually work in the moment; it usually includes more than a little blame-shifting too. Yes, the words “I'm sorry” are included in this one; it's the construction of the apology you have to pay attention to.
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How do you apologize for being defensive?

We can learn to give effective apologies.
  1. Identify your feelings before you get defensive. ...
  2. Take charge of your own actions. ...
  3. Own whatever you can own, of your own actions and words. ...
  4. Communicate that you understand what YOU did wrong (Healthline). ...
  5. State specifically what you did wrong.
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How do you know if an apology is manipulative?

Here are some strong-telling signs of an emotionally manipulative apology.
  1. Their apology takes no responsibility for their actions.
  2. The apology is put out there merely to end the argument.
  3. 3. “ ...
  4. Their apology comes with conditions.
  5. The apology is more about them.
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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 apologize without sounding defense?

According to Schumann's paper, there are eight notes you have to hit:
  1. You actually have to use the words I'm sorry.
  2. Acknowledge that you messed up. ...
  3. Tell the person how you'll fix the situation.
  4. Describe what happened, but without foisting the blame off on someone else.
  5. Promise to behave better next time.
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Plato, Apology | Socrates' Defense Against Corrupting the Young | Philosophy Core Concepts



What is an example of a defensive behavior?

Make excuses about whatever you are being criticized about. Blame the other person for what they are criticizing you about. Accuse the other person of doing the same thing. Try to justify your actions.
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What causes defensive behavior?

Summary: Research has shown that defensiveness in response to wrongdoing is exacerbated by making the wrong doer feel like they're an outcast. Defensive behaviours are common responses when people feel personally attacked but can undermine our ability to identify problems and find solutions.
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How do narcissists apologize?

In narcissists' efforts to avoid blame, they often combine several fake apologies at once, such as in, “I am sorry if I said anything to offend you, but I have strong opinions. Maybe you're too sensitive” or, “I guess I should tell you I am sorry. But you know I would never deliberately hurt you.
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What is a manipulative apology?

A phrase designed to elicit an apology from the other party, whereby the original apologizer can deflect full responsibility to that other person; usually said in a hostile or sarcastic tone and often followed by an explicit or implicit “…but this is really your fault”
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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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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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How do you know if an apology is insincere?

How to Recognize a Fake Apology
  1. A fake apology contains an “if” or a “but.” ...
  2. A fake apology is too wordy. ...
  3. An insincere apology contains passive voice. ...
  4. A true apology cannot start with, “They told me to apologize.”
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What do you say when a narcissist apologizes?

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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What is defensive attitude?

Someone on the defensive is concerned with justifying their actions or words. They have a defensive attitude as they try to protect themselves. If you know that to defend is to protect, you have an idea what defensive means. When a person is acting defensive, they're trying to protect or justify themselves.
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What defensiveness does to a relationship?

When you become defensive in a conversation with your partner, you react to their words without listening to what they're saying. More often than not, you attempt to ward off the perceived attack by turning the tables on them. “It's not my fault that we're always late; it's your fault.”
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Will an avoidant apologize?

Schumann and Orehek's (2019) research indicated that the more avoidant someone was, the less comprehensive their apologies were likely to be, the less empathic effort they took in crafting their apologies, and the more defensive they were likely to be.
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What does it mean when someone apologizes but doesn't change?

“An apology without change is just manipulation.” It's a pithy statement perfect for window decals and bumper stickers, but that doesn't make it any less true. It also doesn't make the phrase less scientifically correct.
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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 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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How does a narcissist manipulate you?

Narcissists also gaslight or practice master manipulation, weakening and destabilizing their victims; finally, they utilize positive and negative emotions or moments to trick others. When a narcissist can't control you, they'll likely feel threatened, react with anger, and they might even start threatening you.
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How do you outsmart a narcissist?

How to Outsmart a Narcissist
  1. Separate yourself to cut off their narcissistic supply.
  2. Take time to heal.
  3. Take responsibility for your part in a conflict.
  4. React with empathy and respect.
  5. Act unresponsive around them.
  6. Disengage from their conversations.
  7. Set and enforce clear boundaries.
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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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What is the root of defensiveness?

The Causes of Defensiveness

Defensive behavior can be a complex and murky issue. For many people, their behavioral patterns stem from emotional, mental, or personality issues/tendencies developed over the course of their lifetimes (feelings of abandonment, inferiority, low self-esteem, narcissism, etc.).
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How do you talk to someone who is defensive?

Here are several steps that can help you become more emotionally intelligent when dealing with defensive people:
  1. Refrain from reacting defensively. ...
  2. Shift your focus to the other person. ...
  3. Ask questions until you understand them. ...
  4. Move toward a resolution.
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Are Narcissists defensive?

Inability to Apologize or Admit Mistakes: Narcissists construct a defensive façade in order to protect their shaky self-esteem. They do not actually have stable enough self-esteem to admit mistakes and apologize without feeling more shame than they can tolerate.
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