Tactics / Fake Apologies / this line
What to Say When Someone Says "I apologize if anyone was offended"
SAY THIS
“Not if. I was. Try it without the 'if'.”
Conditional apologies are conditions, not apologies.
“I apologize if anyone was offended.” is a classic fake apologies move. What it really means: The offense is hypothetical. Your fault for having it. The goal of the reply isn't to win an argument — it's to stay calm, stay specific, and put the weight of the line back on the person who said it.
“I apologize if anyone was offended.”
(the press release)
TRANSLATION
The offense is hypothetical. Your fault for having it.
WHAT TO SAY BACK
“Not if. I was. Try it without the 'if'.”
WHY IT WORKS
Conditional apologies are conditions, not apologies.
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