Why Women Say Sorry Before They Ask for Anything, Even a Cup of Coffee
It’s 8:40 on a Tuesday and the line at the coffee shop is four deep behind you. The barista asks what you’d like. “Sorry, can I just get a medium iced latte?” You hear it the second it’s out. Sorry for what? You’re a paying customer ordering a coffee at a place that sells coffee. The barista doesn’t blink, because she hears that exact opener 40 times a morning, and most of the voices saying it sound a lot like yours.
For many people, an apology is a way to express remorse for something they did wrong and to accept the blame. At best, it could be an expression of sympathy for a situation another person went through. It can feel unorthodox to say “sorry” as a preface to any statement or request. However, many women feel inclined to apologize before sharing what they want, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a few private moments, or even something as significant as a promotion.