Mastering the Subtle Art of Not Really Apologizing
How to Make Everyone Think You’re Sorry When You’re Not
So, you’ve found yourself in a bit of a pickle. Maybe you accidentally ate your roommate’s leftovers, or perhaps you inadvertently insulted your boss at the staff meeting. Let’s face it, no one has a “ctrl x” function in their lives that allows them to take back that flippant remark or miscalculated action. Once it’s out there, it’s like trying to retrieve a balloon in a hurricane — it’s gone, and everyone saw it go.
But, to be honest, you don’t really regret what you did or said, right? You only regret the consequences. Fear not! I am here to guide you through the subtle art of not really apologizing — a skill essential for those who wish to maintain an illusion of contrition without ever actually admitting fault.
With years of experience observing those in management positions, I’ve honed a robust toolkit tailor-made for deftly sidestepping responsibility. Next time you find yourself feeling “sorry but not sorry,” try some of these on for size:
Deflection
The first key to a successful non-apology lies in expertly deflecting blame. Start by acknowledging the other person’s feelings, but without accepting any responsibility. “I’m sorry you feel that way” is a…
