Do you apologize for everything?

I've been trying to kick the habit, but I just can't seem to — I apologize for literally EVERYTHING. Someone bumps into me? I'm sorry! Someone interrupts me? I'm sorry! Someone declares war on another nation? I'm sorry!

I know we're socialized to say sorry and be deferential, but I honestly can't seem to stop. It's just a default that's burnt into my brain.

How do we stop this madness? Is there a way we can still be polite, without apologizing for our mere existence?

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