Possible Duplicate:
Does apologizing entail recognizing being at fault?
Often, in conversation, something like this will happen:
A: I didn't sleep well last night; My dog ran away; or A family member passed away last night.
B: I'm sorry.
A: Why are you sorry? It isn't your fault.
How do you succinctly and conversationally express that you feel sympathetic for the other person's misfortune without inviting the response (or a variation thereof) "It's not your fault"?
The closest I have to that are "My condolences" or "You have my sympathy," but those phrases don't feel particularly conversational.
Best Answer
You can stipulate the 'expressing sorrow for' rather than apologetic sense by: "Oh, that's awful. I'm so sorry for you."