There’s a quiet pattern that slips by unnoticed.
“I’m sorry for talking too long.”
“I’m sorry for needing clarity.”
“I’m sorry for taking up time.”
“I’m sorry, I just needed a minute.”
Nothing actually went wrong, but nothing ever felt right
Nothing rude was said.
No harm was done.
No repair was needed.
Yet the apology still came out.
On the surface, it looks polite.
So Thoughtful.
So Self-aware.
But listen closer, as if you people even cared.
What’s really being said isn’t “I’m sorry.”
It’s “I hope I’m not too much.”
“I hope I’m allowed in here.”
“I hope my presence doesn’t cost you anything.”