Are You A Woman Who Apologizes All The Time? You Really Shouldn’t

If you are reading this and you are a woman, you know exactly how it feels to be constantly apologizing for things. But you must think again and realize that most of the time, an apology is unnecessary.

First, let’s look at a little bit of the science behind the apologetic behavior in women. There are actually studies that suggest that ladies say “sorry” more often than men do.

In September of 2010, a study — published on Psychological Science — of 66 individuals, over a 12-day period, confirmed that women apologize more regularly than men. However, one of the interesting results also indicates that women report more offenses than men, meaning that they recognize the bad behavior and say sorry, which indicates more of a gender difference in what women consider offensive behavior.

A separate study also suggests that women may have a different threshold than men as to what they believe to be inappropriate. Three separate offenses were rated by 120 subjects on a seven-point scale. And women consistently rated the three offenses as more severe than men did, according to Scientific American.

This issue is not a new one; historically, women have felt guilty and ashamed for things they shouldn’t. Anything from leaving kids at a day care instead of staying home to asking for a raise at work — these things make women continue this behavior in which they are constantly apologizing.

Here are a few things women apologize for and shouldn’t. You can get straight to the point without sounding rude.

Moving out of the way — instead of saying, “Sorry, but could you please move?” when someone is blocking your way, you can just say “excuse me” and move through.

Life choices — whether you want kids, want to be single, are getting divorced, or whatever private issue you have going on, there’s no need to say, “Sorry, but I don’t have kids.” It’s your choice and your friends and family should respect that, without you needing to be apologetic.

Not looking perfect — everyone has bad days and if you have one hair out of place, it won’t kill anyone. Apologizing for not looking all put together is not necessary, especially if no one but yourself notices.

Looking too sexy — this one is a good one. Ever felt that you are dressed too “provocatively” for the circumstances? As long as you are not flashing, it shouldn’t bother others and you certainly shouldn’t be saying sorry for looking good. You may get a lot of attention, which is not a bad thing.

Not being able to make a date — whether it’s a romantic date or not, everyone’s lives are busy and sometimes things happen. Don’t feel like it’s the end of the world if you can’t come to that planned date, you can always make it up.

Falling apart — women usually have to juggle many things, and at times life is stressful. Don’t feel ashamed to vent and fall apart at times. After all, you’re only human, and it will probably make you feel better to let it all out.

Reminding people of things that need to get done — if you are the only one in your family that is organized and keeps track of important things, that’s not your problem. Don’t apologize if things don’t get done and you have to remind the offenders.

Asking someone annoying to stop — we all know the person, the type who annoys the heck out of everyone else. You don’t need to say sorry when you directly ask them to stop. The rest will thank you.

Asking for help — everyone needs to rely on someone else emotionally and for everyday things. Don’t say sorry when you ask someone to do something for you.

Alone time — this is one of the issues that women feel most guilty about. Back to the fact that, in general, women deal with a lot more than men do, as they are the ones taking care of the kids and household chores — for the most part. Taking time to yourself will keep you happier and less stressed. Don’t apologize.

Are you a woman that is constantly apologizing for things you say or do? Tell us what you apologize for.

[Image via Shutterstock]