Breaking Bad Habits: Maybe I'm Not Sorry

This is not a post about

The other day, my husband commented that we didn't have any milk for cereal.

I said, "Sorry."

But was I really sorry? No. I simply wished that we had milk for the cereal that he wanted to eat. I apologized for not having any because I am normally the one who buys groceries. Therefore, I assumed blame for this fridge omission. However, Josh ALSO did not buy milk because he doesn't go to the grocery store very often. We simply do not have milk because no one bought it.

I apologize constantly for things I am not sorry for.

Ditching out last minute on a friend's birthday party? Sorry! Accidentally insulting a family member over dinner? I am so sorry. But how about this: when you notice someone is standing behind you at the grocery store, waiting to maneuver around you? Why do I say sorry then? Shouldn't they have said excuse me? I'm not sorry. I would've moved earlier had you alerted me to your presence. No one was hurt. So why do I feel compelled to say, "Oh, I'm sorry!"

Nothing to apologize for, folks!

For the past six weeks, I've made an effort to notice when I say sorry and if I really mean it. I am horrified by the frequency in which it spews from my mouth. And even more so at how few times I mean it. Hardly ever!

Is this a midwestern thing?

I know it's a small thing, but this is a bad habit I think needs breaking. Paying attention to how much I say it has helped, but I think saying the S word is so engrained in me that quitting is easier said than done. I was thinking of getting a human shock collar and zapping myself every time I say and don't mean the S word, but that seems a little extreme.Other strategies for breaking this kind of habit? Sorry, I need help! (just kidding, I am not sorry).

* * *

PS Speaking of breaking unhealthy habits, remember how Jina quit drinking? That's sounding pretty good to me right meow after spending a weekend in Madison, doing the exact opposite. Want to break your bad eating habits? Try the Whole30. Not easy, but definitely recommended.