For many women, myself included, saying “sorry” is second nature. We grew up believing apologizing was one way of being polite, but not now as adults, we use it to begin basic affirmative sentences.

Women don't realize the amount of power that is behind the word "sorry." Ultimately, what's being downplayed in these situations is a woman's ability to empower herself. By not apologizing, she has the capability of normalizing what are considered as demands, to simply being what she needs.

Without the dropping of the “s word” a woman can be perceived as demanding or bossy to only herself but to the person she is talking to. Moving forward, we need to encourage women that their wants and needs are nothing to be ashamed of and as a woman, one's language needs to express empowerment.

This habit is not one to be gotten rid of easily. I've been on both sides of the table, as a server, telling another woman they shouldn't be sorry for wanting extra napkins and as a customer, being told not to be sorry for needing another cup of water. It’s important not to let this word make us feel like we are any less of a genuine person for not saying it all the time. This one word should not be the difference between being seen as bossy or nice, so as society lets no longer give a five letter word that much power.

While trying to transition into no longer apologizing, I’ve found it easiest to say exactly what I want to say. Instead of apologizing I will say a phrase that more accurately expresses the point I am trying to make. For instance, while trying to clarify what exactly my professor meant in his or her lecture, I will say exactly that. No more “I’m sorry but could you...” or “Sorry to interrupt but…,” just “Could you clarify what you mean by that?”

Despite this advice, it is up to you not to feel sorry for yourself. Saying sorry constantly to interrupt your thoughts does nothing more than make yourself feel smaller and your wants and needs less important, and there is nothing polite about that.