There is a certain stigma that comes with the words "I'm sorry".
Women are raised in a culture that encourages one to apologize for everything, so much so that we begin apologizing for things that do not need an apology. We even apologize for asking a question. "I'm sorry for asking, but where is the bathroom?"
Why do we apologize for anything like this? Not many are going to ridicule you for not knowing where to relieve yourself, and yet we still apologize.
I think, in part, this is because we do not want to be a nuisance to anyone, we do not want to be a bother. We are so worried someone will be upset that we need help with or do not know something. How did we get in this position where we cannot ask questions for fear of frustrating another person?
Women have been taught to apologize for anything they do, not because it is actually wrong, but because in this culture, it's almost bad for us to be right, or have a mind of our own. So instead of challenging "the man", we apologize for seemingly insignificant things as we have been enculturated to do.
This does not only apply to asking questions or taking actions, but also the opinions women have. If we disagree, we must always preface with "I'm sorry, but...", which can take away from the strength of the argument as it makes us look unsure, potentially weak. I guess that is how women are wanted, though.
This is the way it is, women apologize, but more recently, we have been told to stop. We have been told all the sorry's are unnecessary, pointless.
In a way, this is true, saying the words "I'm sorry" has value, as there are incredibly important times for us to apologize for what we have actually done wrong, but when we apologize for trivial things it can take away from our worth and the perception of our strength.
The value of the words "I'm sorry", as well as so many other words, such as "I love ___", comes from the meaning behind them and the rarity of their use. When these words are consistently repeated, they can lose truth and worth, therefore value. That, perhaps, is why society has finally decided women should stop apologizing.
However, how can we suddenly stop saying the words we have been trained to say for centuries? It really is a double-standard. Apologize, do not apologize. Say sorry, sorry's are not needed. This is an issue that needs to be navigated lightly, as it has become almost natural for us to apologize for anything and everything we have control over.
The other day I apologized for not being ready to do something, and I now realize that was silly as I have the right to decide when I am ready, but it was also unfair to be told not to apologize when that is how women have been raised forever.
Just for fun: I'm sorry if you disagree.
