I am one of those people who say the word, “sorry” all too often. I am what most call an “over-apologizer.” I’m the kind of person who apologizes for finishing the last muffin in the morning, the kind of person who apologizes for staying in for the night instead of going out to catch up on work, the kind of person who apologizes for not going for a run that day because frankly didn’t feel like it…you get the point. I am just an over-apologizer, even though most of the situations I apologize for are things that don’t require an apology. Just like being an over-apologizer, the things I find myself saying sorry for are just parts of what makes me, me. Along with the plethora of situations I find myself apologizing for everyday, here are 14 other reasons you should never apologize for.
1. Who You Like
From a friend to someone more than a friend, don't apologize for someone you like. We all see different traits in who we like, and like what makes us, us, it what makes them who they are. Plus, how would you feel if you heard someone was apologizing for liking you?
2. What you like to do, but likewise also what you don't like to do
You like to run marathons for fun? Awesome, do it. You enjoy gorging yourself on hours of YouTube makeup tutorials while others go out on Saturday night? Sweet, have fun. Everyone has a different idea of "fun", and never should utter "sorry" for they like, or don't like to do.
3. What you wear
Let's call attention to the never-ending debate if bandeaus can and should be counted as a bra or not. If you are someone who is completely comfortable wearing a bandeau as your bra of choice, then you go girl. Honestly, who cares if someone says it's not one if you're comfortable and happy wearing whatever, own it. (But, for the record, bandeaus are totally a bra.)
4. Your past
This is a huge one we all fall in the trap of apologizing for. What you did in the past, is in the past. Whatever decides to creep up from back then, shouldn't affect you now. Own your past. After all, it is what shaped you.
5. What you want to achieve in your life
Please raise your hand if you have been asked what your major or potential major was going to be, and you were quickly followed with the question of, "what are you going to do with that?" I have been asked this several times, and the answer of what I want to do with my life never wavered. It's your life, not theirs.
6. Your family
Well, you don't get to pick your family, simple enough. They are not perfect, but neither are you, so why apologize for the people who shaped your sweet self?
7. Your friends
Unlike your family, these are the people you willingly spend time with and most likely enjoy being around. Yes, your friends probably mess up sometimes, but it's their duty to say sorry for whatever they did, not yours.
8. The way you look on a particular day
"Hey, I am coming over, but I look awful. I'm sorry." I can't count how many times I have sent that text, but I have sent that text quite a few times. Some days are awesome and everything including your outfit falls into perfect place and some days that doesn't happen. That's ok. Whoever you are sending the "sorry, I look awful text" shouldn't care what you look like, they should just care about seeing you.
9. Your opinion
Spoiler alert: not everyone you come into contact with will share your opinion whether its politics, religion, who Becky with the good hair is, etc.. Everyone is going to plant their feet into the ground, holding their own, and so should you.
10. Saying no
"Do you want to go out to eat with us?" No. "Can you help with this? It would be so much help!" Np, sorry I honestly don't have the time. "Do you want to go back to my place?" No, thank you. Saying no has such a negative connotation, but sometime's it is necessary to say it, but more importantly mean it.
11. Your success, but also your failures.
So, you landed a way better internship than anyone else that follows your on Twitter, and you feel a little apprehensive about posting about it. Tweet it. Instagram it. Post several statuses about it. You earned the right to brag, so go do it!
12. When you need help
I do not like asking for help, talking about my feelings, or anything like that. I like to hold the mindset that I can do all things by myself and I do not need anyone to help me. That's not true, though. Sometimes you do need help, but the first step to getting help is asking for it.
13. Caring too much
Along with being an over-apologizer, I am also an over career. I love my people, and would do anything for them. Yes, I may over text you if you don't respond in an approved reasonable time, yes I may embarrass you at a party cheering you on as you talk to your crush, and I will probably bug you until you tell me what you're upset about, but it's only because I am your biggest fan and I just care maybe a little too much.
14. What makes you...you
We are all individually, wonderfully made. We hold different opinions, relationship, worldview, and more that molds us into what makes us who we are. Be you. Be happy. Don't say "I'm sorry." Need I say more?
