Stop Saying Sorry All the Time

Instead use these alternatives

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We often find ourselves apologizing more than necessary, sometimes for things that are not even our fault. Constantly saying ‘sorry’ can make us seem less confident. It can reduce the importance of what we are truly trying to communicate.

Let’s discuss why it’s important to stop apologizing unnecessarily and how we can rephrase our words to be more assertive and thoughtful.

Why do we say sorry so much?

1. Many people have been raised in environments where politeness is synonymous with apologizing.
2. Apologizing can be a way to avoid conflict.
3. Some may apologize to please others and not seem rude.

What is the downside of over-apologizing?

• Saying sorry when it’s not necessary makes you appear unsure of yourself.
• When you apologize too much, your actual apologies for mistakes make less sense.
• You take on guilt for things that are not your fault, adding unnecessary emotional stress.

What to say instead?

A few examples below will show you how we can avoid over-apologizing.