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.

What is a manipulative apology?

Blame-reversal apology

These manipulative apologies are a type of blame-shift apologies that blame the victim. Instead of taking responsibility for what they did, they make the entire thing your fault and demand an apology from you.

What's 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.

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.


What is an apology without change behavior?

“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.

Plato, Apology | Socrates' Defense Against Corrupting the Young | Philosophy Core Concepts



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.

What is an empty apology?

The Empty Apology.

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.

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.

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.

What makes a person very defensive?

A defensive person has trouble accepting responsibility for their speech and actions. They have difficulty with constructive criticism and may mistakenly take it as a perceived threat. Anyone can be triggered by a personal issue that causes them to have a defensive reaction.

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.

How can you tell a fake 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.”


How do you tell an insincere apology?

An insincere apology would be something like:
  1. I'm sorry you feel that way.
  2. I'm sorry if I offended you.
  3. I'm sorry, but aren't you being too sensitive?


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.

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.


How do I know I am being emotionally manipulated?

Signs of emotional manipulation include gaslighting, passive aggression, and more.
...
Here are nine signs of emotional abuse to look out for.
  1. Using insecurities against you. ...
  2. Gaslighting. ...
  3. Recruiting others. ...
  4. Guilt as a tactic. ...
  5. Passive aggression. ...
  6. Moving goalposts. ...
  7. Smokescreens.


Is defensiveness a trauma response?

Defensiveness shows itself through trauma for a variety of reasons. According to science, defensiveness is a common symptom for those who struggle with trauma, especially those who struggle with trauma related to sexual violence.

How can you tell if someone is defensive?

They make excuses instead of taking ownership. Defensive people will say almost anything to justify their mistakes. Unlike lying or flat-out denying that they did something, they'll admit that they did the thing—but there was a good reason they did it. If one excuse doesn't work, they'll likely pile on another.

How do you communicate with a defensive person?

Use 'I' statements

One of the most effective methods of communicating with a defensive person is using “I” statements. This means framing the effects of situation around your personal experience, not on what the other person did wrong or what it might mean about them as a person.

What causes defensive communication?

Defensive communication happens when a message triggers a sense of threat, and therefore defensiveness, on the part of the listener. Defensive communication involves not only the actual verbal message, but also body language, tone of voice and perceived meaning and intention as well.

When someone is defensive Are they lying?

Simply put, if the person seems to be over-explaining their situation and is angered by your questions, they could have something to hide. On the other hand, experts are quick to point out that when someone is defensive, it isn't always a sign that they're lying.

What is defensive body language?

Negative body language is often called defensive body language. This is when your movements and gestures show you are insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested.

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?

Will a narcissist ever apologize?

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.

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”.