I probably apologize twenty times or more every day. It’s stupid. Some things just aren’t a big enough deal to apologize for. For example, I used to bump into my co-workers all the time when I worked at a coffee shop, and both of us would almost always say “sorry”. It’s not like you can avoid bumping into someone when you’re working in close quarters, flying around trying to do 5 things at once. By the same token, you’re not going to get mad if your co-worker bumps into you, unless he or she really injures you (not likely).

I have tried limiting myself to no more than 5 “sorry’s” per day. It has made my email writing more confident and authoritative, and I have neither assumed blame for things which are not my fault (or anyone’s fault, in many cases), nor elicited blame from others.

What surprised me was that my habit is most ingrained with my boyfriend. I blew all 5 “sorry’s” on him the first day I tried it! He wouldn’t mind if I stopped apologizing—he over-apologizes, too, and would probably like to stop.

Ideas on this subject anyone?

:)