8 Things You Should Never Say “I’m Sorry” For

Before we start, I want to make one thing clear: apologizing for your mistakes or hurtful words and things you’ve said or done to someone is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a noble, positive human trait. It shows that you’re a mature person and that you’re also able and willing to take responsibility for your mistakes.

But, have you ever wondered if the thing you’re apologizing for really deserves your apology? Chances are you’ve said “I’m sorry” many times for things that don’t require an apology. Why? Because they’re necessary for your own happiness, confidence, self-respect, and growth, both personal and professional.

You know, there will always be people who will criticize the way you live your life. People who will expect you to give them an explanation for your decisions, choices, and actions. But at the end of the day, what really matters is whether you’re happy and satisfied with your life.

If you feel comfortable in your own skin and you live your life in accordance with your beliefs and moral principles and values, you don’t have to feel ashamed, or worry about what others think of you, or apologize to anyone. You don’t have to justify your actions to anyone because no one has the right to dictate the course of your life.

So, here are 8 things you should never say “I’m sorry” for:

1. Making yourself your top priority.

Somehow, taking care of yourself and fighting for your happiness started to be seen as a selfish, entitled idea. But, it’s absurd to think that prioritizing yourself over everyone and everything else is selfish.

There’s nothing selfish about taking care of your own feelings, needs, and problems. There’s nothing selfish about taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. There’s nothing selfish about loving yourself.

Maybe some will disagree with me, but the truth is that no one can give you the happiness and fulfillment that you can give to yourself. No one can decide for you what makes you happy and what’s best for you. You’re the one who gets to make those decisions because you’re 100 percent responsible for your own life and happiness.

At the end of the day, how can you take care of others and help solve their problems if you don’t take care of your own and bother to help yourself first?

2. Showing your emotions.

Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable expressing their emotions. And honestly, this is no wonder because we live in a society where we’re expected not to show how we feel.

Showing feelings of sadness, anger, or fear is perceived as a sign of weakness and immaturity and as something shameful.

But, there’s nothing about your feelings, both positive and negative, that you should be ashamed of. Not being able to express them only makes you feel uncomfortable, stressed out, and frustrated.  

Of course, you should not let your emotions get the best of you, like when you’re angry at someone. You probably shouldn’t start yelling at your colleagues, or let alone your boss, and make drama in front of everyone just because you’re having a bad day. There’s always an appropriate place and time to express your feelings.

3. Choosing who to date.

Never be ashamed when someone tells you something like: “Oh, so, you started dating him/her, ha? I bet you couldn’t have chosen someone more stupid and uglier than them.” Because no one has the right to tell you who you should engage in a romantic relationship with.

The only thing that matters is whether you really love and care about that person. So, as long as you feel that way, people can say whatever they want. That’s not your problem. Period.

4. Your opinions.

Never apologize for and hesitate to put forward your opinions, ideas, and arguments, no matter how different they are from the popular belief. We’re all different, so, it’s perfectly normal for our opinions to differ too.

But the point is that no matter how different your ideas and attitudes are from someone else’s, you can always disagree with them in a polite, calm, civilized manner.

And remember, keeping your opinions to yourself will not change or make the world a better place. So, don’t hesitate and don’t be afraid to speak your mind.

5. Your past.

There always be those who will judge and criticize you for your past mistakes and failures. But, what you need to remember is that your past doesn’t define you.

We all make mistakes, hurt others by saying things we don’t mean, and fail. But, these are all valuable experiences we learn from and which make us wiser and stronger.

So, don’t allow anyone to make you feel unworthy and bad for your past. Your past is just that-PAST, and it certainly doesn’t determine your worth.

6. Being ambitious.

Never apologize for aspiring for more in life and keeping your dreams unrestricted. Being ambitious doesn’t make you spoiled, ungrateful, or an unrealistic dreamer.

Instead, it means you have goals, dreams, and passions that you want to fulfill. It means you know you’re capable of doing that. It means you believe in your abilities and strength.

So, never listen to others when they tell you: You can’t do that. Stop Dreaming. Get back to reality. Instead, keep believing in yourself and go after your dreams.

7. The way you earn your money.

If your job makes you feel happy and emotionally fulfilled, why would you care about what others think and say about it? Everyone has the right to choose their career. 

And if you’re satisfied with your job, it doesn’t matter whether you earn millions or hundreds a year. So, never allow yourself to feel ashamed and less important than someone who makes more money than you. Because the money you earn and all the material things you have can’t determine your worth and happiness.

And if someone feels and acts like they’re more important than you because of the way they earn their living, well, that’s their problem – not yours.

8. Not being a conformist.

When a person is dissatisfied with their own life, they criticize others so as to make themselves feel better. But, what does this have to do with you? Of course, nothing.

So, keep living your life the way you want to live it and don’t pay attention to what others think about it. If you don’t want to continue your education, don’t do it. If you want to grow your own vegetables, do it. If you don’t want to get married, don’t do it. If you believe food is the only cure for diseases and not medicine, stick to your belief. You don’t need to apologize for any of these.