As we grow older into our collegiate years we come across situations that have a large impact on our lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Life becomes a lot more stressful, and relationships change. We fight with loved ones in a different way, whether they are our friends or our family, and as much as we hate that it occurs. It is inevitable.

Recently, I have noticed that our generation excessively apologizes when dealing with a difficult situation or argument, regardless if the other person was clearly in the wrong. After a fight with one of my closest friends, I sought advice from some of my girl friends, and the amount that said to "just apologize" baffled me. Since when was the person who got hurt always supposed to be the one apologizing?

There is a difference between being the bigger person and getting taken advantage of. Yes, we all make mistakes, and normally arguments are not entirely one-sided, but someone had to do something bad enough to start the argument in the first place.

Why should you always be the one apologizing?

Appreciation for loved ones showing effort increases as you get older. It is important to remember that those who are in your life, and out, are there for a specific reason.

It's simple, if someone wants to talk to you-- they will make an effort to. We realize this most of the time after freshmen year. We sometimes lose touch with 75 percent of the people we used to call our closest friends.

So for now, stop apologizing just to make things right. The more and more you apologize just to end the argument, the worse it gets. The happiness and sadness of a relationship are meant to be shared, that is what makes it a relationship in the first place.

Your well being is your number one priority, remember that.

Love,

Your Self-Respecting Self