Fake Apologies Harm Relationships

Fake Apologies Create Distance in Relationships

Fake apologies are problematic in multiple ways, including:

• It communicates that we prioritize our ego & being right over the relationship
  
• It sends a message that the other person’s experience doesn’t matter or impact us
  
• It can gaslight the other person into believing they’re actually wrong, overly sensitive, or are overreacting in some way.
  
• It lacks empathy (understanding and care) for the other person
  

Faux apologies communicate we more about being right.

Fake apologies try to convince the other person that they're deserving of our behaviors.

Fake Apologies Sound Like:

"I'm sorry if you felt hurt."

"I'm sorry but..."

​"I'm sorry but you're over-reacting."

"I'm sorry that you feel that way."

Real Apologies:

• Take responsibility
• Express regret
• Express empathy
• Commit to not repeating the offense

• Actually include the words, "I'm sorry..." without conditions or a "but..."
• Follow through with corrective actions
• Offer to make amends

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