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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

How would you respond to a bloke who doesn't understand what he's done wrong but says I'm sorry

13 replies

zarazara87 · 10/12/2023 14:21

So my partner upset me but doesn't agree but then says I don't no what I've done wrong but I'm sorry any way.

How do u take that Confused

OP posts:
Xatz63 · 10/12/2023 14:24

I've got no idea unless you give more information?

ReadySalty · 10/12/2023 14:26

I'd take it that he can't be arsed getting into it, so he's apologised in the hope that you'll drop it?

sprigatito · 10/12/2023 14:27

It depends. Is he habitually flummoxed when he's done something wrong as a means of dodging actual accountability? Is the offence genuinely nebulous?

covenoflittlewitches · 10/12/2023 14:36

Well he is successfully making you feel guilty isn't he?

SavBlancTonight · 10/12/2023 14:36

If he doesn't understand, how does he ensure he doesn't do it again?

Smartiepants79 · 10/12/2023 14:39

Can’t really say without knowing what the problem is.
Is it something glaringly obvious like sleeping with your best mate? Or is it more subjective like stacking the dishwasher wrong?
He may simply not wish to have to talk about it any longer or genuinely attempting to make you feel better? Who knows?

Pinkbonbon · 10/12/2023 15:03

Is he stupid about other things or only when he does things that hurt you?

Most people are capable of understanding that hurtful behaviour is hurtful.

Abusers however, pretend not to understand. In order to make you feel like you have no right to be hurt. They may imply you are too sensitive or that you overreact. Or they may simply look at you with a blank expression, convering that they have no idea why you're upset.

It's bullshit.
It's a con designed to make you feel like you're the one with the issue.

The clincher? If you ever find yourself thinking 'if only I could just find the right words to make him understand (why his obviously hurtful behaviour is hurtful)' you are most likely, in an abusive relationship.

Now, if the behaviour isn't obviously hurtful, but instead, a personal bugbear then that might be different. But if that is the case, it should be a very rare occurance in the relationship. And, after you explaining once, should be understandable to him. It should be met with sympathy and understanding and apologies. And the behaviour should be not be repeated in future (provided that's a reasonable request) as he now knows it hurts you.

Most people don't want to upset their partners. They care when they do. They want to understand how it came about so they don't repeat the behaviour.

This guy...at best, doesn't care. At worst...knows what he did, meant to do it, is enjoying gaslighting you about it and making you feel you don't have a right to your feelings.

Life is short op. Consider who you choose to spend it with.

RuffledKestrel · 10/12/2023 15:10

In my experience it's a hollow apology because he doesn't see a problem but also can't be arsed talking about it. And/or mild gaslighting depending on what the subject of the apology is.

It is now a massive turn off for me when a guy says this. I respond with something along the lines of "if you don't know what you are apologizing for then it's not an apology, if you want to talk about the issue then let's talk. "

ComtesseDeSpair · 10/12/2023 15:11

Depends. I’ve said on occasion to somebody who appears to be upset with me “I’m not sure what I’ve done to hurt you, but it won’t have been intentional and I’m sorry. Can we chat about what it is?” It’s generally something entirely nebulous or a total misunderstanding.

Are you sulking and giving him the cold shoulder whilst refusing to explain what you’re upset about because you think he should know?

SallyWD · 10/12/2023 15:13

Really depends what he did. Are you upset for good reason or are you being overly sensitive?

Bicorne · 10/12/2023 15:22

It would suggest someone with the emotional intelligence of a rock if someone said it to me, because I am extremely clear. If you do non-specific sulking after a perceived slight, it might be excusable.

Dotcheck · 10/12/2023 20:33

Quite a stretch @Pinkbonbon
He could have worn socks with slippers

Ethylred · 10/12/2023 21:08

Well at least one of you is being, um, er, emotionally and intellectually challenged but without any information it's not clear who.

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