Narcissists are notoriously difficult to deal with. They engage in a pattern of selfish, manipulative, and exploitative behavior.
If you stay with a narcissist for any length of time, you’re likely to be negatively affected by their behavior. After a while, you may even begin to show signs of trauma from the ongoing emotional abuse.
Your instinct may tell you to leave the relationship because things will never change. On the other hand, they may show moments of kindness, and you convince yourself that things will be better one day.
When a narcissist apologizes for their behavior, it can keep you stuck in the relationship. The apology gives you enough hope to stay with the narcissist despite the damage they’ve done