Situation · Family and friends
“My parents never apologise for anything”
What could be going on
Never wrong; rewrites history: Fits if they are never wrong and rewrite what happened.
Shame: Could be apology feels like proof they are bad; check whether they collapse or rage when pressed.
Narcissistic injury: Check whether admitting fault punctures their self-image.
Parenting styles (Baumrind): An authoritarian style treats apology to a child as losing authority.
Rupture and repair: Check whether they repair in other ways, like acts of kindness.
Questions to carry
- The last time my parents were in the wrong, what did they do in place of saying sorry?
- If an apology came, what would I want it to name?
Also said as
- my mum has never said sorry in her life
- my dad can't admit he was wrong
- parents who never take responsibility
- why can't my parents apologise
- parents who never say sorry
- my mother can't apologise