"I'm sorry, but..."

I'm sorry, but what's with that phrase that so sneakily introduced my sentence? This vocabulary phenomenon has become rampant––noticeably among the twenty-something female population (myself included). Similar to the "I feel like" verbal tick, "I'm sorry, but" is a weak way of introducing a topic of conversation, debate, or simply intrigue. It's a little depressing that so many young, intelligent women are compelled to qualify their thoughts in such a self-depricating manner. Why are you apologizing for your rational, even emotional opinions? They are valid, seeing as you are a human being with the right to your personal beliefs, notions, and propositions.

Here are some abridged examples of "I'm sorry, but..." that I've said or heard recently:

"I'm sorry, but I wouldn't want to be objectified like that." (In reference to the notorious 'hot bartender' myth on campuses and television.)

"I'm sorry, but...starving yourself isn't a 'healthy lifestyle' [air quotes used here]." (A discussion about highly restricted dieting and juicing.)

"I'm sorry, but I don't have the energy to deal with drama."

In reference to a friend looking for a job: "I'm sorry, but having experience––even though it's not your ideal job––is only going to help you."

"I'm sorry, but when did being an intelligent, self-respecting woman become so taboo?"

Women of the twenty-something group: we are better than this! We don't need to apologize! Most of the time, what you are saying, what I am saying, we are saying is true, insightful, brilliant, or amusing. There is no reason we should say "sorry" for contributing to the conversation!

Photo via Instagram

Welcome, School Year!

And we're back to the grind! After my second day of classes, I can officially say that my semester will be most informative, thought-provoking, and enjoyable. All general have been completed, and major and minor classes are all that await me, which is so, so glorious! To focus solely on your passion is a dream.

It also appears that with a full schedule, more friends moving to my area, new friends, jobs and other activities, I will be booked to the max. You'll probably be busy, too.

Here are some past posts that might help with the upcoming chaos:

Stress: A Story of Frenemies

Dealing with Difficult Group Members

Kurt Vonnegut's lovely assignment letter to students.

You love you're roommates, but we all need alone time.

Let's talk productivity, while we're at it.

What does your upcoming semester look like? Daunting? Relaxed? 

Photo via Abby Carlson Instagram (@abbyacarlson)