At some point in my life I started saying sorry for a lot of things. A lot of those sorries were unnecessary but I got so used to it that I just couldn’t stop.

Then I met a friend, who apologised a LOT more than me!

Most of these sorry speaking person were women 😦 But I don’t think it is gender specific.

Anyway, I have slowly learned how to not apologise for a lot of things and am always learning.

So, here is a list of things I think one should not apologise for. If you have more, add them in the comment section.

1. Expressing your opinion: You have the right to your own thoughts and beliefs. As long as you express them respectfully and considerately, there’s no need to apologize for having an opinion.
2. Setting boundaries: Taking care of your well-being is essential, and establishing boundaries is a healthy way to do that. You don’t need to apologize for setting boundaries that protect your time, energy, or personal space.
3. Pursuing personal goals: Whether it’s a career aspiration, a hobby, or a personal project, following your dreams and passions is something to be celebrated. No apologies are necessary for dedicating time and effort to achieve your goals.
4. Prioritizing self-care: Self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Taking time for yourself, practicing self-care activities, and prioritizing your needs shouldn’t require an apology.
5. Saying “no”: It’s okay to decline invitations, requests, or tasks when they don’t align with your interests, values, or available time. Respectfully declining without guilt or apologizing is a healthy practice.
6. Asking for help: Everyone needs support at times, and it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out and ask for assistance when needed. Rather than apologizing for seeking help, appreciate the opportunity to grow and learn from others.
7. Taking time for personal reflection: Reflecting on your actions, thoughts, and experiences is a valuable practice for personal growth. It’s not necessary to apologize for taking time to reflect and understand yourself better.
8. Expressing emotions: Emotions are a natural part of being human, and it’s important to acknowledge and express them. You don’t need to apologize for experiencing emotions or expressing them in a respectful manner.
9. Making mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable, and they provide valuable learning opportunities. Instead of apologizing excessively for every mistake, focus on taking responsibility, learning from them, and making amends if necessary.
10. Being true to yourself: Embracing your authentic self and staying true to your values is something to be proud of. Don’t apologise for being who you are or for living authentically.

Sorry, not sorry.