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Health and Wellness

Let's Stop Apologizing For Being Ourselves

Why is our knee-jerk response is, "I'm sorry?"

katieshannon
Sep 14, 2018
West Chester University
217
Let's Stop Apologizing For Being Ourselves
Katie Shannon

Let's stop apologizing.

Why is it a routine thing to say, "I'm sorry," for things that we shouldn't be apologetic for? I have to catch it out before I finish my sentence nowadays because I have realized that 8/10 times I say it, I shouldn't have to.



I shouldn't have to apologize for how I want to dress. I shouldn't have to apologize for being a bookworm.
I shouldn't have to apologize for how my body looks in an outfit and whether it is approved by the girls in class or the boys at the party.
I shouldn't have to apologize for trying to be the best version of myself for you, because I was not enough in your eyes.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to curse.
I shouldn't have to apologize for "being in the way" or say "excuse me" when I am not in the way.

I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to go down a different path than those around me.

I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to go out. I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to stay in.
I shouldn't have to apologize for earning what I gain through my hard work.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not getting it on the first try. I shouldn't have to apologize for not being skinny enough.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not getting the best grades or the highest GPA standing.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting help. I shouldn't have to apologize for mistakes you won't hold accountability for.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing makeup that I want to.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not wearing makeup.
I shouldn't have to apologize for showing cleavage when I want to.
I shouldn't have to apologize for you bumping into me so carelessly.

I shouldn't have to apologize for trying my best and yet those never make me feel like I'm enough.

I shouldn't have to apologize for not being the best relation to. I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing a tight dress.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing baggy clothes that are comfortable.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not always being happy. I shouldn't have to apologize for letting myself be sad.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be social.
I shouldn't have to apologize for needing to take off of classes one day for my mental health.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not wanting to be friends with someone that is not good for me.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be included and for being hurt for being left out.
I shouldn't have to apologize for standing for what I believe is right when you'd rather stick to ignorance.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to get and feel better.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be alone for a while.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not having "the look" for peers around me.
I shouldn't have to apologize for having a "resting bitch rest" because I am not smiling every second.
I shouldn't have to apologize for smiling and laughing a lot, because it is "too much for you."
I shouldn't have to apologize for everything I apologize for.

I shouldn't have to apologize.

Yet I apologize for every damn thing on the list.

Why?

Because I feel obligated to do so. Yet, there is no reason to be sorry. Just be unapologetically you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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