Starting your sentences with, “I’m sorry,” does a lot more harm than you think, says Reniel. Over-apologizing is a real thing. He says for some of us, we’re being too hard on ourselves, anticipating that something we said will offend someone, or provoke them. For others, it stems from something in our past that may have been an unhealthy relationship.
. . . consider that saying sorry when you don’t really need to can have some unintended effects on those around you.” – Reneil
Source: Daily Motivation, August 12, 2021. Link. Reniel shares things for which an apology is not needed:
- Your feelings
- Your opinions
- Your looks
- Your achievements
- Your natural quirks
- Your questions (as long as you don’t sound rude)
- The actions of others
- How you decide to allocate your attention
- Circumstances that are beyond your control
Also see: 4 types of ineffective apologies, Animal Health Digest, November 26, 2016. Link. In a post comment, Patrick T. Malone shared this guidance.
The article failed to mention the most-used ineffective apology: “If I offended anyone, I am sorry.” The implication is what I did or said is not offensive but if you are so sensitive as to be offended then I’m sorry you are so sensitive. – Patrick T. Malone