“Apologize. Never say I’m sorry because you’re not sorry – you’re wonderful.”
It was a passing comment made to me by an older woman at a public event after I accidentally bumped into her and immediately said, “I’m sorry.”
Her comment has stuck with me for all these years and I almost never say “I’m sorry” anymore. I acknowledge my mistakes and apologize but I don’t take on the identity of my errors.
I think in our society – especially women – are always saying sorry for something:
- Being late
- Being distracted
- Loud children
- Being slow
- Rushing
- Not being considerate enough
- Being too considerate
- Not feeling well
The list goes on and on.
In avoiding the phrase, I’ve noticed I take my failures less personally. They are actions that can be improved upon but they don’t reflect who I am.
Since I’ve found it to be such good advice I wanted to pass in on.
Has a stranger offered you thoughtful advice?
