That is often caused by abuse earlier in their life that forms a habit which is hard to break. Frequently being blamed for things they may or may not have done and being forced to apologize becomes a habit, or trying to deflect because they are worried that the other person might be upset when things don't go perfectly can be hard to stop doing.
It does come across as attention seeking.
Every time I see this I just see capitulation to society's ruin. "Just bend over and take it!"