How I did it: I moved to Germany. They don't really say, "I'm sorry" for all the trivial things we use it for. The word they use for pardon, like when you bump someone on the train is "enshuldigung" --- to long to just whisper under your breath.

the other alternative is "Es tut mir lied" -- which is really formal.

So after a few months I got out of the habit. I realized that often we can apologize with a look or a little guesture, and sometimes, like when someone rams into you, you shouldn't apologize at all.

Lessons & tips: I think it can be so culturally engrained that it's hard to stop cold turkey, but start asking yourself if you are being honest when you say you are sorry. For example, "I"m sorry if your feelings are hurt" isn't really an apology.    

Resources: Time, travel

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Aug 02, 05:13PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer