Many people feel as though they should apologize for being or identifying as something that not everyone will accept. Why, though? Why should people apologize for being themselves? Isn't variety what makes life interesting? There are so many things that people are expected to apologize for: sexuality, appearance, gender identity, and sometimes even race! I could go on, but I really don't have to. We all know that when someone has a negative reaction to something about us, our first instinct is usually to apologize. Everyone is amazing, beautiful, and perfectly imperfect, so why should anyone apologize for just being?

In no particular order, here are the things that I will never apologize for:

1. My sexuality

Just because I don't fit into our heteronormative society, it doesn't mean I have to apologize for my sexuality. It may offend you, or you may think my sexuality is "wrong," but I'm still not sorry.

2. My appearance

I have acne and acne scars. I have short hair. I don't wear makeup that often, and when I do, it isn't for you. It's for me. I don't dress to impress. Sometimes I wear blazers or men's t-shirts, and sometimes I wear dresses and flats. I'm not going to apologize for not appearing as feminine as you'd like me to, and I'm not going to apologize for my physical flaws or the way I dress. I am me, and I love myself.

3. My choices and lifestyle

I chose to pursue a path in the arts and humanities. I chose not to party, drink, or do drugs during my time at college. I still don't do any of those things. I'm introverted and prefer to stay home or hang out with a few close friends. I'm not sorry for not engaging in party culture, being introverted, and not being involved in a lot of the things that most people my age are doing.

4. My gender

My biological sex is female, and I identify with my biological sex. I am a woman, and I'm not sorry. If I were non-binary, I still wouldn't be sorry. I am myself, and I'm not sorry.

5. My language

I don't swear often, and even if I did, I wouldn't be sorry. I speak with a southern accent, I use contractions that some people say don't exist, and I speak with incorrect grammar at times. My writing doesn't reflect my speech, and sometimes I sound stuffy and uptight. Still not sorry.

6. My interests

My interests don't seem to match up with what most people expect from a 21-year-old female. I like books, video games, plants, YouTube, animals, and writing. I don't engage in a lot of the things that are "expected" of me, and I'm not sorry.

7. My body

I have short hair, acne, scars, stretch marks, body hair, and so many other things that most people wouldn't see as beautiful, but I'm never going to apologize for the way I look. I'm not skinny. Based on the BMI chart, I'm overweight. That doesn't stop me from loving myself and wearing what makes me feel confident. I don't have a "perfect" body, and I'm not sorry about it.

8. My race

People don't choose their races. Assuming that race isn't a social construct, I'm white. Some people expect me to apologize for my race because of historical events, but I'm not sorry. I can't do anything about being white, and I'm not ashamed of the color of my skin. I may be ashamed of some of the things that others who share my skin color have done, and I will apologize for the things that others have endured, but I'm not going to apologize for myself.

9. My religious beliefs

I'm not an extremely religious person. I don't care what religion anyone else follows, and no one should care about what I do or don't follow. I don't expect anyone to apologize for not agreeing with my beliefs, and I'm not apologizing for mine.

10. My political beliefs

Let's face it, political beliefs can literally start a war. Sure, politics are what run our country right now, but why should I apologize for what I agree with and believe? Nope. Not happening.

11. My behavior

I treat others with respect if they treat me with respect. I treat others with kindness and compassion even when I probably shouldn't. I'm an extremely optimistic and happy person. I'm also very shy in social situations. I don't put myself out there in any situation, and I probably come off as rude if I'm forced to talk to a stranger. I don't behave in a way that should offend or upset others, but I do behave how I see fit, and I'm never apologizing for it.

12. My passions

I'm passionate about things that most people aren't: language, grammar, writing, literature, fiction, and magical tales. So what? My passions don't affect anyone but me, so why should I be sorry?

13. My relationships

My relationships typically stay private, but even if they didn't, I shouldn't be expected to apologize. Just like my sexuality, my relationships may not please everyone, but why should I care? My relationships are just that: mine. Not sorry.

14. The way you treat me

So many people go about their days treating other badly because of some or all of the previous things listed, and then they expect the other person to apologize for the way they were treated. Why?! I'm never apologizing for the way someone treats me just because my life and who I am make them uncomfortable.

I'm never apologizing for who I am. I am myself, I am perfect in my own way, I am happy, and I am living my life. I shouldn't ever feel like I have to apologize for anything about myself. Nobody should. The only time I'm ever going to apologize is when I'm actually in the wrong. Never let anyone make you feel bad about your life or yourself, and never apologize for any of it.