05/10/2026
You brought up something that hurt you. So how did you become the one saying sorry?
Perhaps you wanted an acknowledgment. A conversation. Some reassurance that your feelings mattered.
Instead, they denied what happened, questioned your character and told you how much your words had hurt them. Before you knew it, you were explaining yourself, softening your concern or comforting the person whose behaviour you wanted to address.
This pattern is called DARVO: Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender.
The focus shifts from their behaviour to your reaction—while the concern you raised remains unresolved.
If this feels familiar, start by returning to the original issue: What happened? What hurt me? Has it actually been addressed?
You don’t have to answer every accusation or keep explaining until they agree. If it feels safe, you can say:
“I’m willing to talk about what happened, but I won’t continue a conversation where I’m being insulted for raising a concern.”
You can also pause, step away and speak with someone you trust. Recognising the pattern doesn’t mean you must confront it immediately.
A disagreement alone isn’t DARVO. Look at the wider pattern: are your concerns repeatedly met with denial, personal attacks and blame that leaves you apologising while their behaviour goes unaddressed?
You deserve space to express hurt without being punished for having a voice.
DM “CLARITY” to explore support with Raji at Rize Academy.
[ DARVO, emotional manipulation, blame shifting, narcissistic abuse awareness, emotional abuse recovery, gaslighting awareness, relationship boundaries, healthy communication, self trust, reclaiming your power, survivor support, women empowerment, healing from abuse, Malaysia wellness, Singapore wellness ]