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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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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How does a manipulator 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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How does a narcissist 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 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 to spot an emotionally manipulative apology



How do you spot an insincere apology?

A fake apology:
  1. Has an insincere tone of voice, sometimes accompanied by body language, like sighing and eye-rolling, to further communicate their true feelings.
  2. Tries to make the other person feel weak for wanting the apology. ...
  3. Manipulates the person apologized to, usually in order to get something the apologizer wants.
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What is a weak apology?

Some examples of weak apologies: I'm sorry you feel that way. One apologizes for an action, not for someone else's feelings. This weak apology ignores the action and expresses regret that the hurt person decided to feel bad. I'm sorry if I offended you.
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What are narcissist most afraid of?

Narcissists are terrified of being alone, and their greatest fear is abandonment. Setting clear boundaries or not reacting to their chaotic manipulation will cause them to become afraid of losing you even though they may never admit it.
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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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What are the 9 traits of a narcissist?

Nine Signs and Symptoms of Narcissism
  • Grandiosity. Exaggerated sense of self-importance. ...
  • Excessive need for admiration. ...
  • Superficial and exploitative relationships. ...
  • Lack of empathy. ...
  • Identity disturbance. ...
  • Difficulty with attachment and dependency. ...
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom. ...
  • Vulnerability to life transitions.
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What are the signs that someone is manipulating you?

13 Signs Someone Might Be Manipulating You
  • They Guilt Trip You. Shutterstock. ...
  • They Ignore Your Input. ...
  • They Don't Give You Time To Make Decisions. ...
  • They Don't Help Resolve Problems. ...
  • They Undermine Your Self-Confidence. ...
  • They Force You Out Of Your Comfort Zone. ...
  • They Butter You Up With Small Requests. ...
  • They Offer The Silent Treatment.
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Can a manipulator apologize?

This type of apology is given by manipulators and victims alike. At certain points, a situation or relationship can become so uncomfortable that the participants will do or say anything to put an end to it. That's where this apology comes into play. It doesn't stem from shame, guilt, or any real sense of remorse.
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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 without manipulation?

Recognize the Reasons to Apologize
  1. Acknowledge that you were wrong.
  2. Discuss what is allowed and not allowed in your relationship.
  3. Express your regret and remorse.
  4. Learn from your mistakes and find new ways of dealing with difficult situations.
  5. Open up a line of communication with the other person.
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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 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 kind of woman do narcissists like?

In fact, narcissists are often attracted to strong, confident, and self-assured women. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is important to realize that the narcissistic traits of grandiosity and confidence are really a mask for deep insecurity.
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How does a manipulator act when confronted?

A manipulator will actively lie to you, make excuses, blame you, or strategically share facts about them and withhold other truths. In doing this, they feel they are gaining power over you and gaining intellectual superiority. Manipulators are experts in exaggeration and generalization.
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What happens when a narcissist knows you figured them out?

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. They will say things you didn't utter and misinterpret all your intentions.
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What makes a narcissist angry?

8 Triggers of a Narcissist's Rage

They feel that they've been criticized, even if the critique is constructive or said kindly. They're not the center of attention. They're caught breaking rules or not respecting boundaries. They're held accountable for their actions.
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What should you not say to a narcissist?

8 Things You Should Never Say to a Narcissist
  • Don't say, "It's not about you." ...
  • Don't say, "You're not listening." ...
  • Don't say, "Ina Garten did not get her lasagna recipe from you." ...
  • Don't say, "Do you think it might be your fault?" ...
  • Don't say, "You're being a bully." ...
  • Don't say, "Stop playing the victim."
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What happens when you ignore a narcissist?

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. They'll feel humiliated and lash out against you to protect themselves.
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Is Im sorry you feel that way Gaslighting?

The “I'm sorry you feel that way” approach, along with avoiding an argument in lieu of admitting fault, is good old fashioned gaslighting.
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How do you write a backhanded apology?

The Back-handed Apology
  1. “I'm sorry you feel that way.” (About my inability to hold a passing interest in our discussion)
  2. “I'm sorry that things just didn't work out.” (…with our relationship, because I cheated on you)
  3. “It stinks that I didn't make it.” (…and instead was late, missing the movie)
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What does it mean when a man apologizes?

Saying it requires vulnerability to admit wrongdoing and the hurt that that wrongdoing has inflicted on the person you're apologizing to. To be truly sorry means feeling regret or sorrow over an unfortunate situation and your role in it.
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