(Stop Saying Sorry for Taking Up Space, Darling)
Listen up, queens. We need to talk about a serious epidemic plaguing women everywhere. No, not bad Wi-Fi or overpriced lattes. I’m talking about the chronic over-apologizing for existing.
How many times have you said “sorry” today? Be honest. Did you apologize when someone bumped into you? Did you say “Oops, sorry!” when you took too long to reply to a text? Did you preface your perfectly valid opinion with, “Sorry if this sounds dumb but…”?
If any of this sounds familiar, congratulations—you’ve been society’d. We’ve been conditioned since birth to shrink, soften, and make ourselves palatable. To be “nice.” To be “likable.” To not be “too much.” Well, I have two words for that: Hell. No.
It’s time to stop apologizing for taking up space. It’s time to stop watering yourself down so people aren’t “intimidated.” It’s time to step into your power and rule the world (or at the very least, your life) with unapologetic confidence and a little extra sparkle. Let’s get into it
Step 1: Recognize the Bullsh*t Conditioning
Here’s the deal: You were not put on this planet to be small, quiet, or easy to digest. You were put here to live loudly, take up space, and slay unapologetically.
But somewhere along the way, we were trained to be nice girls. Nice girls don’t talk too much. Nice girls don’t make waves. Nice girls definitely don’t correct someone when they’re clearly wrong. And God forbid we tell someone no without softening the blow with an entire TED Talk about why we just can’t right now, sorry!
Meanwhile, men are out here claiming boardrooms, interrupting meetings, and demanding raises without breaking a sweat. You know what that tells me? The world isn’t allergic to confidence—it’s just allergic to confident women. And that, darling, is exactly why you should double down on your sass, not apologize for it.
Step 2: Stop Saying Sorry (Unless You Actually Did Something Wrong, Like Steal a Dog or Burn Down a Taco Stand)
I want you to try something radical today: Go an entire day without saying sorry unless you legitimately f*cked up.
- If someone bumps into you? Say “Excuse you.”
- If you need to correct someone? Just correct them. No “sorry, but…”—just the facts, honey.
- If you need to set a boundary? Say it with confidence, not a side of guilt.
Watch how quickly people adjust when you stop making yourself smaller. If anyone calls you rude for not apologizing when it’s unnecessary, congrats! You just exposed someone who benefits from your self-doubt.
Step 3: Take Up Space Like You Own the Damn Place
Picture this: You walk into a room like Beyoncé at the Grammys. Chin up, shoulders back, absolutely unbothered. You don’t shrink. You don’t fidget. You don’t second-guess whether you “belong.” You command the damn space like the queen you are.
Taking up space isn’t just about body language—it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing you have the right to be here, anywhere, everywhere. In meetings. In relationships. In your career. In your dreams.
If you’re waiting for permission to be bold, confident, and extra—stop. The permission slip has been inside you all along, waiting for you to sign it with a big, glittery, “F*ck yes.”
Step 4: Own Your Sass Like a Superpower
Some people will say, “Oh, she’s too much.” Good. Too much for who? Who decided the limit on how much you’re allowed to shine? (Hint: Someone very boring.)
Sass isn’t a flaw—it’s a power move. It’s the refusal to be overlooked. It’s confidence with a wink. It’s saying what you mean and meaning what you say. And let’s be honest—women with sass get sht done*.
- They speak up.
- They ask for what they want.
- They get paid.
- They don’t apologize for having standards.
If that’s “too much,” then I suggest the world gets used to it
Step 5: Practice the Royal “No” Without Justifying It
Ah, the sacred art of saying no without writing a damn novel about why.
Try this out loud: “No, that doesn’t work for me.”
Notice how there’s no “sorry.” No excuses. No “maybe another time!” Just a simple, powerful, no.
When you start setting boundaries without guilt, some people will be shocked. Let them be. It’s not your job to make everyone comfortable—it’s your job to protect your time, energy, and queendom.
Say no with confidence, queen. You’re not here to be everyone’s doormat.
Step 6: Ditch the Need for Approval (Because Not Everyone’s Opinion Deserves Your Attention Anyway)
Not everyone is going to like you, and that is fine. You are not a margarita—you don’t need to be everyone’s taste.
Approval-seeking is a trap. The second you start living for other people’s validation, you hand them the remote control to your self-worth. Unsubscribe from that nonsense immediately.
Do what makes you happy. Wear the damn sequins. Say the bold thing. Take the risk. Some people will love it, some people won’t, and either way—you’ll be fine.
Final Mic Drop: You’re Not Here to Apologize—You’re Here to Rule
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: You don’t have to shrink yourself to be lovable. You don’t have to soften your voice to be heard. You don’t have to apologize for being confident, ambitious, or loud.
The world needs more women who are unapologetically themselves. More queens who walk with purpose, take up space, and inspire others to do the same.
So, here’s your final mission, should you choose to accept it: Go forth and slay. Rule your queendom. Speak your mind. Own your power. And if anyone has a problem with that? Well, they can take it up with the department of Not Your Problem.
Now go conquer the world, darling. And don’t you dare say sorry for it.
TL;DR: How to Rule the World (or Just Your Life) Without Apologizing for Your Sass
Stop saying sorry for existing, darling. Women have been trained to shrink, soften, and apologize for everything—including breathing too loudly. Enough of that nonsense.
- Recognize the bullsh*t – Society wants you small and “nice.” Too bad, you’re here to slay.
- Ditch the unnecessary “sorries” – If you didn’t commit a crime, you don’t need to apologize.
- Take up space – Walk, talk, and exist like you own the damn place (because you do).
- Own your sass – It’s not “too much”; it’s your superpower.
- Say no without justifying it – “No, that doesn’t work for me” is a full sentence.
- Stop chasing approval – You are not a margarita; not everyone needs to like you.
Final mic drop: You don’t need permission to be bold, confident, and unstoppable. Now go forth, rule your queendom, and never apologize for being that queen. Slay on
Burning Questions & Sassy, No-BS Answers
How do I stop apologizing for everything?
Catch yourself in the act and replace “sorry” with something stronger. Instead of “Sorry I’m late,” try “Thanks for waiting!” Own your space—no more unnecessary groveling.
Why do women apologize so much, and how can I stop?
Because society conditioned us to be nice and non-threatening. Screw that. Start small—notice when you say “sorry” unnecessarily and swap it for direct, confident language.
How can I be confident without feeling like a b*tch?
Confidence isn’t b*tchy, it’s power. If someone thinks you’re “too much,” that’s their problem. Speak up, stand firm, and own your brilliance—without softening the edges.
How do I take up space without feeling guilty?
Stop acting like you’re a guest in your own damn life. Sit tall, speak clearly, and walk like you own the room. You have every right to be here. Period.
How do I set boundaries without feeling like a bad person?
Saying “no” isn’t mean; it’s necessary. People who respect you won’t be offended. And those who do? Well, they just benefited from you not having boundaries before.
What are some powerful alternatives to saying ‘sorry’ all the time?
-
- Instead of “Sorry, can I ask something?” → “I have a question.”
- Instead of “Sorry I was late.” → “Thanks for waiting!”
Instead of “Sorry to bother you.” → “Do you have a moment?”
How do I stop over-explaining myself and just own my decisions?
Say what you mean, then shut up. The more you explain, the weaker you sound. You don’t owe anyone a TED Talk about your choices.
How can I be assertive without being seen as aggressive?
Speak with clarity and confidence. Assertive = stating your needs without fear. Aggressive = bulldozing others. You’re not bulldozing, you’re just not playing small.
How do I stop caring about what other people think of me?
Remind yourself: other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills. The people who really matter love you for who you are. The rest? Irrelevant.
How can I respond when someone says I’m ‘too much’?
Try: “Too much for who? Boring people?” or “If I’m too much, go find less.” Own your extra.
How do I develop a strong presence in meetings and conversations?
Speak clearly, sit up straight, and don’t rush your words. If you talk like you’re important, people will treat you that way
How do I handle criticism without doubting myself?
Consider the source. Is this coming from someone you respect, or just a hater with too much free time? Learn from the useful, ignore the useless.
What are some daily habits to build confidence and self-worth?
-> Stand tall.
-> Speak with intention.
-> Set small goals and crush them.
-> Hype yourself up in the mirror.
-> Dress like the baddest version of yourself.
How can I stop asking for permission and start making bold moves?
Stop waiting for validation and start acting like you already have it. No one’s going to crown you queen—you have to claim the throne yourself.
How do I stop second-guessing myself and start trusting my instincts?
Confidence comes from action. Make decisions, own them, adjust if needed. You’re smarter than you think—start acting like it.
What are some signs I need to stop apologizing and start standing my ground?
-> You apologize before speaking.
-> You agree just to avoid conflict.
-> You hesitate before sharing your opinion.
-> You feel exhausted from people-pleasing.
How do I maintain my confidence when people try to tear me down?
Remind yourself: Their opinions don’t define me. Also, success is the best clapback—keep winning and let them choke on their own negativity.
What’s the difference between confidence and arrogance?
Confidence is knowing your worth without stepping on others. Arrogance is thinking you’re better than everyone. Be confident, not condescending.
How can I develop a ‘queen mindset’ and own my power?
-> Stop apologizing for being ambitious.
-> Speak like your words matter.
-> Take up space, physically and mentally.
-> Expect great things for yourself—because you deserve them.
How do I stop minimizing myself in conversations and start speaking with authority?
No more “just” or “I think.” Replace “Just wondering if…” with “I need clarification on…” and “I think we should…” with “I recommend we…” Watch how people start listening.
You don’t need to shrink, apologize, or play small to be loved, respected, or successful. Own your space, speak your mind, and let the world adjust. Now go slay, queen.
