To apologize is to say you are sorry for something you did wrong or for causing someone hurt or trouble.
From Greek "apologia" meaning "a speech in defense," which originally meant explaining or justifying yourself. Over time, the word shifted from defending yourself to admitting fault and expressing regret.
“Apology” started as a legal-style defense speech—not "I’m sorry" but "Here’s why I’m right." That flip from self-defense to humility shows a huge cultural shift in what we value in conflict.
In many cultures, women have been socially conditioned to apologize more frequently and for minor issues, while men have often been discouraged from apologizing as a sign of weakness. This has contributed to stereotypes that women are overly apologetic and men are more assertive.
Encourage sincere apologies tied to specific actions, regardless of gender, and avoid shaming any group for apologizing. Distinguish between healthy accountability and coerced or habitual self-blame.
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