"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!

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