When a Narcissist Apologizes: Rare or Genuine?

Ah, apologies – the art of admitting guilt and expressing remorse. It’s such a lovely gesture when done right. But what about when it comes from someone who is infamous for their lack of empathy and self-centered behavior? Enter the narcissist.

A narcissist is an individual with extreme selfishness, excessive admiration for oneself, an inflated sense of their capabilities and entitlements. They have little regard for others’ feelings, which can make them difficult to deal with in everyday life. The idea of them apologizing seems almost comical…or does it?

The Nature of Narcissists

Before we delve into whether a narcissistic apology is genuine or not, let’s discuss what makes up the essence of these individuals.

Characteristics

A person who exibits narcissistic tendencies usually demonstrates some (if not all) following traits:

• Excessive focus on themselves
• Extreme lack of empathy towards others
• A constant need for attention
• Grandiose attitude that they are special or unique
• An overwhelming desire to feel superior to others
• Using manipulation as a tool to control situations
• Easily becoming aggressive if provoked

Self Love vs Self Obsession

Narcissism often gets confused with having confidence or being secure in oneself but there’s actually quite an important difference between “self-love” versus “self obsession”.

People should strive towards being comfortable within themselves; accepting both strengths and weaknesses while acknowledging faults without feeling threatened by external criticisms. However Narcissists showcase compulsive behavior better described as unyielding self-absorption where they will take actions solely based upon pleasing their egos regardless whom may be affected/ hurt around them.

How Do Narcississt Approach Apologies?

So then how do well-known arrogant beings approach apologies? Are they frequent givers/ sincere/ shy towards apologies? let’s take a look at their perspective towards acknowledging faults.

To be fully aware of the nature behind a Narcissist’s apology, you’ll have to keep in mind that it is typically directed towards them having been caught rather than because they are actually sorry.

The Blame Game

Narcissists often get defensive when facing criticism and can almost always find a way to turn an accusation inwards without taking full responsibility for their mistakes or misleadings. It is common place you will say something about their bad behavior/ failed ideology; they immediately manage to reverse this blame back onto the victim with phrases like “You just don’t understand me” or “It was your fault I did what I did.” This typically allows them not only be free from any guilt but also helps retain support by leveraging others against each other.

A Public Display

When confronted outside their comfort zone within public space or close family members circles, narcissistic individuals may attempt forced apologies, recognizing how other parties influence might soon notice his/her mistake(s) and hence will shift roles away from being accused party. Such apologies do not indicate realization on behalf of self-improvement, instead done simply as means for distraction from realizations that individual was wrong/personal development needed.

Lack Of Empathy

Another factor notable during supposed “apology” narratees comes across pure pretense (Faking empathy about audience), trying very hard appear sincere…with mixed success. They come off frustrated as if apologizing alone makes everything disappear despite still overlooking those who were affected by comments/actions initially taken.

With all these displayed behavior patterns seen frequent with well-known narcissistic , odds one begging forgiveness after realizing someone got hurt /angered over certain behaviors seem quite low according reports .

Can We Ever Trust A Narcisstic Apology?

The question now becomes whether we should trust narcissistic apologies or not because… let’s be honest – we can’t help but want to.

The Layer Cloud

It’s nearly impossible to prove a narcissist is actually sorry for anything, given their instinctual need to be selfish/self-preservation as first priority . Often what they display will seem somewhat genuine; the promise of growth and change could just be empty words. It becomes hard not wanting believe that one sincere apology foretells long term adjustment in actions/ behavior(s), yet there’s no proof that statement has any truth whatsoever.

Calculated Actions

A Narcissistic person apologizing comes from usually desperate panic-stricken attempt restoring positive footing public opinion than whenever actual realization he/she caused harm , made bad decision earlier on happened at all. They are quite aware those who fail trust apology readily nor stand up several repeat issues would eventually become alienated (due less support welcomed by increasing low opinions) — thereby leading toward individuals considering changing unfavorable outlooks over personal self-improvement meanings behind apologies they issue out loud .

Conclusion

To sum things up, I think it is safe to say trusting a narcissist’s apology remains/ grows difficult with each occurrence noted whereby display insincere conformity ongoing behaviors/outlooks remain unchanged might only serve satisfy themselves hence causing negative cycles within relationships around them. After-all acknowledging fault presents willingness engage efforts towards growth/change now why would someone happy maintaining poor qualities exhibit even slightest regret-based apologetic endeavors unless burden invisible motives? (definitely last question you should ask yourself)