We've all experienced having some sort of opinion we felt is unpopular among the majority of people. Commonly referred to as the #UnpopularOpinion, most posts that involve that hashtag also usually get paired with #sorrynotsorry.

But it's an opinion. It may be unpopular, but it's an opinion. So why are you apologizing?

There isn't an article you can post, a tweet you can share or a post you can make that will go over well with every single person who will see it. You are bound to offend someone. And, as a matter of fact, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's one of the most common ways to get people talking.

So why is it that we apologize for every little thing?

I've ordered coffee at Dunkin Donuts, taken one sip and realized that it's far from what I ordered. When I bring it to the attention of the barista, my approach is always, "I'm sorry, this isn't what I ordered."

Why am I sorry? I ordered something and it wasn't correct. I'm not suggesting I should be aggressive or rude, but what reason do I have to apologize?

Or when I'm walking in the halls of a building or down the street and someone very obviously bumps into me. I always turn and apologize before going on my way. I didn't do anything though.

These are just two short examples. But this happens daily. While those two scenarios are obviously not the biggest deal in the world, it makes me wonder why we feel the need to apologize for everything we do and say.

Relationships and friendships are meant for growing as people and learning about each other. How much would we learn from our peers if we all shared the same opinions about everything and never disagreed? When we talk about anything that leads to a discussion, someone is bound to disagree. And when they disagree, should I apologize for having an opinion that differs from theirs?

We live in a world where people are constantly overly sensitive and get extremely offended by the most unimportant topics. We should not be censoring our opinions when having these discussions simply because there is a possibility we might offend someone. In the same way, we should not be apologizing when our opinions are unique.

As I mentioned, I am in no way suggesting we all go around flaunting offensive things and making those around us feel completely uncomfortable. However, without discussion there is no room for growth. We remain ignorant for as long as we refuse to accept that others have opinions and feelings that may be different from our own. That does not make their opinions, or yours, any less valid.

Let's talk and let's discuss. Let's debate and let's argue. Let's talk about the things we disagree about and let's acknowledge that multiple opinions exist within the same topic. Let us stop being so concerned with apologizing for how we feel and focus more on the growth that comes from not feeling the need to say we're sorry every time we discuss something slightly controversial.

Let us stop being so sensitive to every topic and let us discuss them confidently so as to better educate those around us. Let us talk about our opinions and not apologize for saying what we feel. Let's post that link on Facebook that might offend a person or two, and let's not apologize for it. Let's retweet that tweet you totally related to, but you know someone will disagree.

Let's stop apologizing so much for the little things that really do not merit an apology.

And if I've offended anyone, #sorrynotsorry