In the world that we live in, it seems like we are constantly apologizing. We are even apologizing for things that we shouldn't be apologizing for. I, myself am constantly apologizing for things that I probably shouldn't.
Just think about how many times you say "sorry" each day. It's probably at least 5, if not more. And what are you even saying it for?
Well I'm not even sorry. So why do I continue to say it? Because society tell us to, that's why.
Society tells us that when a stranger bumps into us that we have to say "sorry" even if it's not our fault. That when someone is not happy, no matter if it is because of us or not, we must say "I'm sorry." And in the times that there is nothing else that can be done to help someone, we say "I'm sorry."
But it is not our fault that a random person wasn't paying attention as they were walking. Or that someone is having a bad day. Or that we do not have the resources available to help someone. And in each of those situations, was I even really sorry anyway? No I wasn't. None of it was my fault. But I said it anyways because that's what I thought I was supposed to do.
No one likes a rude person, and apologizing for things that warrant a sincere apology is one thing. But constantly apologizing to strangers you bump into on the street is not only fruitless, but it is self-defeating and demoralizing.
Especially as a young woman. We are expected to be sweet peace keepers at all times. But sometimes, I don't want to keep the peace. I want to tell someone how I really feel. And unfortunately, that is seen as being emotional, irrational, or aggressive.
Woman are not "I'm sorry" machines. And we will not mold to be what society expects us to be. I am a strong and opinionated young woman, and I will no longer apologize for being that way.
If I don't like something, I will tell you. If I'm not able to help you, I will tell you. If I can't do something, I will tell you. But I will not say "I'm sorry."
I will not say "I'm sorry" for the clothes I wear, the people I talk to, the words that I speak, the actions that I make, or the decisions that I choose. I will learn from my experiences and actions instead.
I no longer feel the need to make things okay for everyone all the time. So if you're waiting for an apology from me...you're gonna be there a while.
