Since seeing this Pantene Pro V Commercial (warning – it’s quite cheesy), I have been hyperaware of every time I say “sorry”. I think I say it most when someone bumps into me or when I’m caught in stressful grocery-cart-situations. You know the ones. Grocery carts = major anxiety.
It’s also really easy to say sorry when you’re confronting someone. In my experience, it is more comfortable to say, “Hey roomie, so sorry but can you do the rest of the dishes?” You’re taking on the blame, making it your fault, and not having to deal with any sassy backlash. Makes sense. It’s super convenient. But it’s heavy, man! Taking the responsibility for somebody’s grocery cart running into you is one small thing, but if you do it all the time you might start feeling a little down and perhaps less confident and empowered.
I have never had to confront anyone in the blogosphere (knock on wood) but I can just imagine myself saying, “Sorry, but I noticed that my blog post is replicated on your page.”
This “Stop Saying Sorry” campaign is directed primarily towards women. The theory behind it is that when women apologize for things that aren’t their fault, they are taking on a weaker role. However, I believe this sorry business is relevant to any gender. Women may be more prone to apologizing, but I think everybody in general could gain a lot of self-confidence and happiness by cutting out the word “sorry”. You know, unless we have actually done something wrong. ;)
There are so many words to say in place of sorry. “Pardon me.” “Excuse me.” “Whoa!” (Used that one at a convenience store the other day when someone ran into me. This person didn’t look up or say anything, so I was glad I hadn’t impulsively said sorry. Small joys!) A simple smile is also an alternative to “sorry”. I’ve been doing this a lot lately. It shows the grocery cart speed racer, or whoever, that you forgive them.
What do you think about all of this? Is “sorry” one of your go-to words in awkward situations?
chelsea says
YES! This is something I’m working on, I say it waaaaaay too much.
Angela says
have been trying to say it less too! mostly because i realize i do it all the time in emails, and i feel like it makes me seem like i’m not confident in what i’m saying. my friend just showed me this too and i think it’s great!
Karolina says
Hey there! I found your blog via an Etsy team thread recently! Check mine out when you get a chance? :)
I absolutely agree with all of this post…It’s kind of interesting, actually..I used to say sorry a lot when I was a teen. It was my mother who actually pointed it out to me and asked me what exactly I had to feel so apologetic about..Ever since then, I don’t really throw the word around so much (unless, of course, the situation actually calls for it!) I think I still say it a little too often for my personal liking, but I’m working on it. It’s amazing how one small word can really impact your confidence.
…And sometimes, if I’m feeling particularly sassy when someone bumps into me or my cart, I like to throw out an “Excuse you” ;) I really recommend it!
Karolina
http://theforestdoor.blogspot.com
Great post!