I have this thing about me – I really like being nice.
I think it’s gotten worse (amazingly) as I’ve gotten older.
“I’m so sorry”
“No, really, it’s MY fault”
“Oh, it’s my mistake”
I’ve heard all of these phrases come out of my mouth at one time or another. Sure, I meant them at the time, but I voiced most of them without really thinking about what I was saying. I don’t know what it is, but it’s easy to apologize. I don’t struggle with taking the blame, and I often find myself staring up at the bus under which I’ve thrown myself.
Why is that?
Phrases like the ones above keep the peace. They diffuse the situation and avoid conflict. But do you ever find yourself using them when, if you think about it, it really ISN’T your fault?
I believe in being polite. I believe in owning up to your mistakes and asking for forgiveness. But I also believe that we all deserve to fill exactly the space that we’re in, and we don’t have to apologize for it. I, for one, am working on owning that space. What are you doing with yours?
