Saying "I'm sorry" seems fitting when you do something wrong or something you probably shouldn't have. Apologizing is a coping method for us to acknowledge some kind of wrongdoing to someone else. Take for example, if you bump into someone, if you say something mean, if you drop something, etc. the list goes on.
By now I'm sure a lot of you have heard about Pantene's #SorryNotSorry campaign and seen the video (If you haven't take a look below). This summer has been super busy for me but since seeing this video, I've been thinking about why women may feel inclined to apologize constantly. I thought that maybe it's a part of our culture or maybe even our upbringing? So I decided to pay more attention to interactions that I have with other people and make a mental note of how many times I say sorry in one week.
Some of the instances were:
When asking my boss a question.
When I didn't hear what someone was saying.
When I didn't have the answer to a question.
When I didn't hear what someone was saying.
When I didn't have the answer to a question.
What I realized was that I said "I'm sorry" by instinct-habit. When did I pick up on it? No idea. I feel as saying those two words justify what I'm going to say next or that it's a buffer just in case the person I'm talking to does not agree with what I have to say.
Apologizing is something that is definitely important when it's valid. When used in the right context it shows compassion and willingness to make amends. It should not however precede what you say because you have the right to express yourself freely. Speaking up for yourself and for the things that are important to you will always be okay.
Apologizing is something that is definitely important when it's valid. When used in the right context it shows compassion and willingness to make amends. It should not however precede what you say because you have the right to express yourself freely. Speaking up for yourself and for the things that are important to you will always be okay.
Ladies [and gentlemen], what you have to say is of value; at work, at school, with friends/family. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and opinions because they matter.YOU matter.
Here's the new agreement I've made with myself: I should not be worried or afraid to say what I need to say (as long as it is respectful, of course). I hope you do too.
What do you think?
P.S: Kudos to Pantene for the awesome video and subject!
