Learning to Stop Apologizing

I still do it sometimes.
Apologize for the weather.
For someone else’s bad day.
For a situation I didn’t create, can’t fix, and honestly had nothing to do with.

“I’m sorry” used to be my reflex. A default setting. A way to keep the peace and avoid conflict. If I said it first, maybe no one else would make me feel like it was my fault.

Old habits don’t break overnight. But I’m learning.
Learning that kindness doesn’t mean carrying guilt for what isn’t mine.
Learning that I don’t have to shrink just because someone else is uncomfortable.
Learning that being empathetic doesn’t mean being responsible for everyone else's emotions.

I still catch myself typing “I’m sorry” when what I really mean is “thank you for understanding.”
I still feel that tug to apologize when something goes sideways, even if I had no part in it.

But now I pause. I rewrite. I remind myself that not everything needs an apology.
Some things just happen.
Some people just react.
Some weight was never mine to carry in the first place.

This isn’t about being cold or unkind. It’s about being honest.
I’m allowed to care without apologizing for existing.
I’m allowed to grow without guilt.

And if you’re on this journey too, just know… you're not alone. We don’t have to keep saying sorry for simply being human.