As men, we’re often made to feel guilty for every little thing.
Whether we’re to blame or not.
Now saying sorry for an honest mistake is one thing.
But not everything requires an apology.
In fact, over-apologizing can have serious consequences.
Constantly apologizing makes you look weak and submissive. It also devalues important apologies you really mean.
Are you ready to find out the 20 things guys should never apologize for? That’s the subject of today’s article, let’s get started!
#1 Never Apologize For Your Opinion
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and you are no exception. Don’t let anyone tell you what to think.
Stick to your guns! Just be prepared for criticism if you don’t say sorry when others expect it (rightly or wrongly).
Being rude or crass is never a good option. As long as you are polite, respectful and firm though you have nothing to apologize for.
Agreeing to disagree is OK. You don’t have to come round to their point of view.
#2 Never Apologize For Saying “NO”
As children, we are taught to be agreeable. Saying no is rude.
As adults though we have to learn another lesson. Nobody can agree to absolutely everything.
You have a limited amount of time on this planet. You will also look like a doormat.
I’m going to share a secret with you: Nobody will tell you it’s ok to say no. You have to be the one to take the initiative.
Try saying no the next time someone makes a request at work that pushes you beyond your limits. Don’t let someone else’s emergency become your emergency (unless a puppy is trapped and the office is on fire).
#3 Never Apologize For Where You Come From
You can’t help where you are born any more than you can’t change your skin tone.
Anything you have no control over is unfair to criticize you for.
You can’t change your background, you can’t change your upbringing and you can’t change your personality…so never apologize for them.
#4 Never Apologize For Your Religion
Religion is deeply personal. Your faith is your own.
You don’t owe anyone an apology despite what others might think. There is no need to explain anything.
Why let someone pry on an area of your life that is none of their business?
#5 Never Apologize For Your Life Philosophy
Everyone has a code of honor they live by. A set of core beliefs and values they keep in their heart. Some do this consciously and others unconsciously but everyone does it.
If someone wants you to compromise on your core beliefs then you have no obligation to do it. They might try to guilt you but there is nothing to apologize for.
Live your life your way!
#6 Never Apologize For Telling The Truth
Don’t misinterpret me here – if your wife asks if she looks good in a dress the answer is always yes! That’s not what I’m talking about here.
In more ethically ambiguous moments you should always feel free to give the unvarnished truth.
Now the truth can sometimes hurt so don’t expect everyone to be immediately grateful. I promise you will feel better for it though and in the long run people will respect you more for being honest.
#7 Never Apologize For Who You love
Maybe you love a woman your family doesn’t approve of. Maybe you love another man.
It doesn’t matter. The heart wants what the heart wants.
Don’t give yourself heartache by trying to live for someone else instead of yourself.
#8 Never Apologize For Taking (Calculated) Risks
I took a big risk transitioning from the Marine Corps to becoming a custom clothier and men’s style YouTuber.
I knew men’s style was a passion for me though and I wanted to see what happened if I pursued it. I knew there were risks but I also knew there were potential rewards.
Here’s what comedian Jim Carrey once said:
You can fail in life doing the things you hate so you might as well take a chance doing what you love
#9 Never Apologize For Taking Care Of Yourself
We are taught on planes to apply our own oxygen masks before helping someone else with theirs. Why?
Because if you pass out then neither of you will survive. You can’t help other people if you are not in a place of strength. You can help other people best by taking care of yourself.
Now the idea of self-care might make you think of mani-pedis and spas but really it’s whatever helps you relax and recharge.
Ask yourself: when was the last time you took some ‘me time’?
#10 Never Apologize For Spending Money
Everyone loves a bargain. Not everything is worth skimping on though!
If you can afford to save time by taking an express train then do it. Fresh and nutritious food might be pricier than processed fast food but it’s not worth cheaping out on your health.
Don’t let the perpetual bargain-hunters make you feel guilty for improving your life.
#11 Never Apologize For Having Emotions
We all know the guy who swears he can’t remember the last time he cried.
I can tell you from personal experience even the toughest Marine has emotions. There is nothing manly about being an unfeeling robot.
You will form stronger business relationships and connect with women better by being open about your feelings and understanding the power of emotions.
Improve your mental health by letting emotions out in a controlled way instead of bottling them up until they explode.
#12 Never Apologize For Not Knowing
I’m going to let you into a secret: nobody has all the answers.
People might try to pressure you into always having a slick response for everything. Who doesn’t love looking like a know-it-all genius?
This is a slippery slope though. Giving half-answers or even lying can land you in hot water later.
#13 Never Apologize For Asking Questions
This is the inverse of the above.
Asking lots of questions isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, asking no questions is a sign you are either being shy or surrounding yourself by people who never challenge you.
Being curious and striving to discover new information means you are learning! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for this because asking intelligent questions is the only way you will improve.
#14 Never Apologize For Failure
Failing doesn’t mean you are bad. If you took a calculated risk and it didn’t turn out then nobody with a right mind can fault you.
Part of pushing to better yourself is inevitably sometimes slipping up.
Don’t apologize to others who are jealous because they don’t feel able to take risks themselves.
#15 Never Apologize For Making A Tough Business Decision
Ever left a company for a better salary but your old boss tries to guilt you into staying (for no extra pay!)?
Ever hired a more competent candidate instead of a friend?
I know all too well as an entrepreneur that business can be cutthroat. Everyone needs to pay their bills though and deserves to have personal success.
I’ve learned in business that if someone is trying to make you feel bad for making a hard call then chances are they want something they don’t deserve.
#16 Never Apologize For Someone Else’s Actions
You can only control your own actions so don’t say sorry for what someone else has done.
This in particular is a hard lesson to learn but fully appreciate it will set you free.
Of course, if it’s your toddlers having a tantrum in a restaurant then unfortunately that is your responsibility!
#17 Never Apologize For Having A Mistake Corrected
Have you ever had a work colleague give you ‘laser eyes’ for asking them to fix an error they made?
Ever bought a product that turned out to be faulty then made to feel like a nuisance for getting it exchanged?
There are plenty of people out there who will try to make you apologize for wanting what you asked for. Don’t let them!
#18 Never Apologize For Removing Toxic People From Your Life
You are the sum of the people around you.
If those people drag you down with constant negativity or abuse your generosity you should not feel bad for cutting them out of your life.
Nobody has a birthright to be your friend.
#19 Never Apologize For Being Successful
Succeeding in life whether it’s financially or personally is rarely easy.
If you have worked hard to get to where you are today then there is nothing to apologize for.
It’s OK to take a moment and celebrate the wins. Appreciate what you have.
Don’t let others make you feel guilty for anything you earn fair and square!
#20 Never Apologize For Delaying A Decision
Some people want everything NOW NOW NOW.
It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment and think before you act.
Maybe you want to be sure you’re adding maximum value to a work project.
Perhaps you want to mull over buying a new car.
Gents, today’s society wants us to feel bad for every little thing we do. There are things to be sorry for but these 20 right here are ones you don’t need to worry about. Use this knowledge to stop being a doormat for others and a constant apologist!
Click below to watch the video – 9 Things You Should NEVER Apologize For // Skills Men Must Master