What is a meaningless apology?

I said I'm sorry.” The empty apology is all form but no substance. It's what you say to someone when you know you need to apologize, but are so annoyed or frustrated that you can't muster even a modicum of real feeling to put behind it. So you go through the motions, literally saying the words, but not meaning it.
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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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What is not a true apology?

A true apology does not include the word “but” (“I'm sorry, but …”). “But” automatically cancels out an apology, and nearly always introduces a criticism or excuse. A true apology keeps the focus on your actions—and not on the other person's response.
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What is a selfish apology?

We accept the belief that forgiveness is a necessary component of a healthy, satisfying relationship. But why don't apologies always work?
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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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V For Vendetta - "Is it meaningless to apologize?"



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 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 recognize an insincere apology?

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 to an insincere apology?

If you think the apology is insincere

If you think they aren't sincere, tell them you can't accept their apology now and be clear about your reasons. Let them know what was missing in their apology and what they need to show you in the future.
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Can an apology be selfish?

Most of our apologies are entirely selfish, not intended for the person we've wronged in some way. They're just stepping stones for us to feel better about ourselves. Your apology is sometimes just a manipulation. Stop trying to force the people you love to say you did nothing wrong.
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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 does a real 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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Do narcissists accept apologies?

Apologize. If you've heard someone say, “Narcissists never apologize,” they're not exactly right. While many traits of narcissism like entitlement, elitism, and arrogance make it unlikely someone with narcissistic traits will go the apology route, apologies are sometimes used with ulterior motives.
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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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Why would a narcissist apologize?

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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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 respond to a narcissist apology?

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 do you respond to an apology when it's not okay?

Instead I say, "I appreciate your apology," or "Thanks for acknowledging that, I was really hurt." It's a way to accept or acknowledge the apology but also to communicate that the offense was wrong.
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Is it Gaslighting to say I'm sorry you feel that way?

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 are the signs of a passive-aggressive person?

Specific signs of passive-aggressive behavior include:
  • Resentment and opposition to the demands of others, especially the demands of people in positions of authority.
  • Resistance to cooperation, procrastination and intentional mistakes in response to others' demands.
  • Cynical, sullen or hostile attitude.
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Is Silent Treatment passive-aggressive?

Basically, the silent treatment is a passive-aggressive behavior by which an abuser communicates some sort of negative message to the intended victim that only the perpetrator and the victim recognize through nonverbal communication.
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Do passive Aggressives feel guilty?

Guilt and shame are one of the most common reasons that passive-aggressive people lean into behaviors like diminished eye contact. Whether they feel guilty about what they want to say — but can't — or, they're just feeling guilty about what they have done to you…
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When should you not apologize to someone?

You Should Never Apologize for Someone Else

Everyone is responsible for their own actions and behavior. You do not need to apologize for something someone else did even if you feel their actions reflect upon you through association.
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What do you call a person who apologizes too much?

1. An obsequious person might apologize often and more than necessary. You might also check out synonyms of obsequious. – Alan Carmack.
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