Abelard's apology includes his belief that he was at that time extremely  attractive to women and that his intelectual and social prowess exceeded that of his jealous peers.  He also confesses that he never had any intention of teaching Heloise anything and that he insinuated himself into her uncles house as a lodger and tutor for the sole purpose of seducing her.   I guess you can interpret it in a number of ways but, when I read it, it felt more like spin (with some boasting thrown in) than sincerity.