How to Stop Saying Sorry Too Much

Repeatedly apologizing to friends, family or even a stranger can lower self-esteem. According to psychologist and author Susan Heitler, over-apologizing largely stems from demanding and critical parents during childhood. To manage stressful situations at home many children resort to apologizing frequently to assist in calming a family member down and to avoid conflict. Break the habit of over-apologizing to communicate your feelings effectively.

Instructions

• 1

  Realize your value. Mike Robbins, a bestselling author of "Focus on the Good Stuff," says that constantly apologizing for yourself makes you focus on your negative aspects. With continual apologies, individuals seek approval for the way they live life. He states that those who apologize repeatedly need to recognize the value and importance of their life. Love who you are for both the good and the bad. Don't devalue yourself because of your imperfections.

• 2

  Listen to yourself. Do you know when you tend to apologize more? Make a point to listen to yourself apologize. Recognize the feelings and emotions surrounding the apology. Apologizing to please people, to avoid conflict or to excuse yourself from negative attention brings down the confidence level and sends the message to society that you are not "good enough," according to psychologist Linda Tillman.

• 3

  Take a break. When messy or conflicting situations occur due to a miscommunication, don't be ready with an apology. Just because the situation occurred, does not mean it is your fault. Take a step back and think for a moment before apologizing. Approach the situation from an objective point of view, find a solution and forget about it. Take a break from shouldering blame that isn't necessarily yours.

• 4

  Stop the habit. Make apologies authentic by saying "sorry" when you mean it. In the article "Stop Saying You're Sorry - How to Start Living a Regret-Free Life" authors Beth Banning and Neill Gibson think individuals should stop limiting their confidence and start living with authentic happiness. Apologize when you have truly made a mistake, but don't beat yourself up over it. Live confidently.