We’ve all encountered those “apologies” that leave you more baffled than anything else. You know the ones — where you somehow end up feeling like the bad guy?
We asked people on Facebook to share their best “narcissist apology” impressions, and the responses were equal parts hilarious and infuriating. Ready to cringe? Here are some of the most “apologetic” non-apologies people have heard.
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“It’s your fault. You shouldn’t have gone through my phone,” one person shared.
Embed from Getty ImagesAh, the classic blame shift. This one hits the nail on the head when it comes to narcissism. For someone with narcissistic traits, it’s easier to deflect blame onto others than to face their wrongdoing. Who knew that respecting privacy meant overlooking blatant red flags?
“I’m sorry that your very poor behavior made me act out of character,” another wrote.
Embed from Getty ImagesTranslation: “It’s all your fault, but I’m going to pretend I’m taking the high road.” This is a masterclass in turning the tables — blame the other person for your bad behavior and walk away feeling superior.
“I’m sorry you feel that way, but what I said is true,” a commenter noted.
Embed from Getty ImagesAh, the non-apology at its finest. This is basically saying, “Sorry you’re upset, but I’m still right.” People with narcissistic tendencies tend to struggle with empathy, making it difficult for them to genuinely understand or care about the impact of their words on others.
“I’m sorry if you think I did something wrong,” shared one Facebook user.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe good ol’ “if” apology — where the blame is subtly shifted back onto the other person. It’s like saying, “I’m sorry you’re so mistaken,” without actually owning up to anything. Sneaky!
“You must have misunderstood. You’re so sensitive,” another added.
Embed from Getty ImagesBecause nothing says “I care” like dismissing someone’s feelings as overreactions. Narcissists frequently gaslight others, making them question their own emotions and perceptions.
“I’m sorry you feel I’ve hurt you. That makes me very sad that you don’t trust me,” someone else shared.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis apology takes emotional manipulation to the next level. It’s like saying, “I’m sorry, but now I’m the victim here.” Narcissists often play the victim when they feel cornered, turning the situation around to gain sympathy while avoiding true accountability.
“They might say they are sorry, but they always have to add a ‘but’ to it. ‘But you did this to trigger me,'” another commented.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe notorious “but” apology — where a justification quickly follows any sense of remorse. Narcissists are experts at making sure the focus stays on your behavior rather than their own. It’s the ultimate way to dodge responsibility while making sure you know you’re still somehow to blame.
“You’re too emotional… It doesn’t matter what I say, you’re gonna believe what you want to believe and that’s okay…I’m okay being the bad person,” a commenter chimed in.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen the apology turns into a full-on gaslighting session. By the end of this one, you’ll be questioning your reality while they walk away with a smug sense of superiority.
“I’m sorry that you made me so angry that I spoke to you the way I did, so it’s all your fault for making me angry,” shared one Facebook user.
Embed from Getty ImagesNarcissists are known for projecting their own feelings onto others, making it your fault that they lost control. Somehow, you’re responsible for their outburst, and they’re just an innocent bystander.
“Never got an apology, ever. But something rich he’d said to me was ‘you’ll never find someone better than me’ or while crying ‘awww look at those crocodile tears, crying for no reason.’ Yeah, he was a winner,” someone wrote.
Embed from Getty ImagesSometimes, the best apology is no apology at all — especially when it comes with a side of arrogance and mockery.
“I’m sorry that you misunderstood. I will try to explain in simpler terms next time you are upset,” one person shared.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis apology implies that the real problem is your lack of comprehension. Narcissists love to make others feel inferior, and this “apology” is just another way to assert their intellectual dominance while dismissing your feelings.
“I’m sorry if you think I did something wrong,” another Facebook user commented.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis apology is an immediate Uno reverse. Narcissists are skilled at turning apologies into opportunities to reinforce their own rightness. If you think they did something wrong, that’s on you, not them.
“I’m sorry that your very poor behavior made me act out of character,” one person added.
Embed from Getty ImagesNarcissists are experts at rewriting history to make themselves look good, even if it means throwing you under the bus.
“Always my fault, never his. Threatened overdoses if I didn’t do what he said, even worse if drinking,” a Facebook user recalled.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis one’s a real gut-punch. Narcissists often use extreme manipulation, like threatening self-harm, to maintain control. It’s a tragic and toxic way to keep someone feeling responsible for their partner’s emotions.
“You must have misunderstood. You’re so sensitive,” another wrote.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd finally, the gold standard of narcissistic apologies. Not only do they dismiss your feelings, but they also make you feel bad for having them. Narcissists often belittle others to maintain control, and this apology is a one-two punch.
