Too often I find myself saying sorry for everything I do. I like showing up to planned things early, especially if they’re important meetings, yet I apologize for being early, as if being polite and being respectful are bad things. I’m not inconveniencing anyone by being early, so why do I feel the need to apologize?
After some self-refection, I’ve decided I’m going to stop using the word sorry. I’m going to try to erase the word “sorry” from my vocabulary. Here are some things people don’t need to apologize for:
1. Being early
Like I said, being early is polite. There is nothing for you to be sorry about.
2. Texting/calling people
We need to remind ourselves that reaching out to people is okay. You're not hurting anyone by talking to them, so go ahead and talk to them.
3. Being emotional
Having feelings is okay. You shouldn’t have to apologize for that.
4. Not being emotional
You also shouldn’t have to apologize for not being emotional about something that other people are emotional about.
5. Speaking your mind
You shouldn’t have to apologize for inputting my opinion and giving advice. You're not sorry that you're trying to help someone, or you obviously wouldn't have said anything. It's OK. Speak your mind.
6. Sticking up for what you believe in
You're not sorry for standing up for what you believe in. You shouldn’t have to be. People who make it seem as though you need to apologize for what you believe don’t belong in your life.
7. Being yourself
You're unique. You're different. You're quirky. You should never apologize for that.
8. Things that aren’t your fault
Too easily we find ourselves apologizing for things that aren’t even our fault. Why do we do this? It’s because sorry always just slips out of our mouths.
9. Things that you can’t control
If you can’t control it, why should you be sorry about it?
10. Someone else bumping into you
It's not your fault. Don't take the blame for it.
11. Asking for something to be corrected
Don't apologize when your food or drink order is wrong, especially when you said it correctly.
12. Overdressing
It's better to be over dressed than underdressed.
13. Having to go to the bathroom
It's a natural thing. Don't apologize for it. Taking a few minutes to go to the bathroom is better for everyone in the long run.
14. Asking for help
It is 100% OK to ask for help. Never apologize for asking for help. Never.
15. Saying "no" to something
It's OK to say no. You're not obligated to say yes.
16. Telling the truth
Even if it hurts people, you shouldn't be sorry for telling the truth. If someone asks you something, tell them the truth and don't apologize.
17. Doing things you love
Go ahead; do what you love. You don't owe anyone an apology or an explanation. If your passion is eating an entire carton of ice cream by yourself or Cross Fit, do it!
18. Overdoing things/ doing things right
If you wrote 8 pages, but had a 6 page limit on a paper, don't apologize. Never apologize for going above and beyond expectations, especially when it comes to work or your education.
19. Having high expectations
You deserve the best. You don't need to explain yourself, especially when it comes to relationships.
20. Asking for someone to repeat themselves
You couldn't hear them. It's okay. Don't apologize--especially if you can't control the surroundings.
21. Not responding right away
You don't owe anyone an explanation as to why you didn't respond immediately. If it's not time-sensitive, you shouldn't apologize.
22. Needing alone time
Everyone needs alone time. Don't ever say sorry for needing time for yourself. You're the most important person.
23. Not knowing the answer to something
It's not your job to know everything.
24. Love
Whether you fell in or out of love, never say sorry for your feelings.
25. Defending yourself
Stick up for yourself. Never apologize for looking out for yourself.
26. Crying
Do NOT apologize for crying.
27. Not agreeing with someone else
You don't have to agree with every single person you meet. That's OK.
28. Asking questions
There is nothing wrong with wanting to know more, especially if you're unsure of something.
29. Putting yourself first
Again, you are the most important person to yourself. Take care of yourself first.
30. Not being OK
So what? You're a mess and your life isn't completely together. Hey, we're all struggling. It's OK
I’m sure there are hundreds of other things I apologize for, but enough is enough. I’m not going to apologize anymore. I’m no longer going to say sorry for any of these things. I’m not sorry, so I’m not going to say I am.
