Blame it on my southern, oldest/middle child (the second twin complex), red-headed stepchild, female disposition, but I apologize entirely too much. I am tired of saying sorry for things that I am not nor ever will or should be sorry for.

Consider this my gospel of refusals:

I am not sorry that I am beautiful.

I am not sorry for knowing that I am beautiful.

I am not sorry that you telling me I am beautiful does not add any value to my self worth nor does it put me under an enchantment spell.

I am not sorry if I am uninterested.

I am not sorry for not pretending that I am interested.

I am not sorry if my independence magnifies your insecurities.

I am not sorry for asking for what I want.

I am not sorry for demanding what I am worth.

I am not sorry for refusing to settle for anything less.

I am not sorry for how I feel.

I am not sorry for ugly crying.

I am not sorry for laughing like an idiot.

I am not sorry for having a strong voice and using it.

I am not sorry for knowing when silence speaks louder.

I am not sorry for setting healthy boundaries.

I am not sorry for determining what and who stays outside of those boundaries.

I am not sorry that I learned better.

I am not sorry for being the first to say "sorry."

I am not sorry that simply saying "sorry" is not enough.

I am not sorry for preferring menswear.

I am not sorry for wearing that dress.

I am not sorry if you cannot keep up.

I am not sorry if my tattoos color outside the lines of your picture of beauty.

I am not sorry that I have presence when I enter a room.

I am not sorry for being conscious of my presence.

I am not sorry that I am recognized for my hard work.

I am not sorry for knowing I'm damn good at my work.

I am not sorry for cursing.

I am not sorry for how my ambition may make you look in comparison.

I am not sorry for offering help.

I am not sorry for admitting when I need help.

I am not sorry that my stubbornness refuses to let me give up.

I am not sorry for still believing in the power of prayer.

I am not sorry for my constant pursuit of better.

I am not sorry if my way isn't on the itinerary or in the manual.

I am not sorry for knowing that I do not need to compete for anyone or any affection.

I am not sorry for refusing to treat women like my opponents, for they are my teammates.

I am not sorry that my standards of success are measured in my works, not in my relationship status.

I am not sorry for my pizza PDA.

I am not sorry if my peanut butter lip syncs, terrible dancing, and spontaneous serenades embarrass you.

I am not sorry that I am not afraid to look like a total idiot.

I am not sorry that I don't know that song.

I am not sorry that I need to use Google Maps for most trips.

I am not sorry for the parts of me that will always be messy (my hair, my place, my thoughts, my handwriting, etc., etc.).

I am not sorry that I really love pumpkin, everything.

I am not sorry that I speak in hyperboles.

I am not sorry that I really love the color orange and it has nothing to do with football.

I am not sorry that I do not like football.

I am not sorry for sending long texts.

I am not sorry if you can see my bra.

I am not sorry that I need a tampon.

I am not sorry that I don't want to repeat myself.

I am not sorry that my face mirrors my emotions.

I am not sorry if my expression mirrors how you make me feel.

I am not sorry if my expression causes intimidation.

I am not sorry for asking questions when I am confused.

I am not sorry for needing more explanation.

I am not sorry for putting myself first.

I am not sorry for holding you accountable.

I am not sorry for telling you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

I am not sorry for knowing I cannot save you nor can you save me.

I am not sorry for admitting I was right.

I am not sorry for admitting I was wrong.

I am not sorry for being feral.

I am not sorry for my lack of domestication.

I am not sorry if this means nothing to you.

I am not sorry for not being sorry.