My Apologies

1.       I apologize that you have to spend so much time insisting you do not think you are “better” than others when it is others who have this view of you

2.       I apologize that you have to downplay the fact that you are college educated so that others do not feel bad

3.       I apologize that you feel the need to praise people who had their children as single parents (by choice) when they tell you that you do not understand how hard it is because you had your children after you were married

4.       I apologize that you cannot demonstrate pride in your accomplishments because others will view it as bragging or “showing off”

5.       I apologize that you have to be called “strict” because you instill in your children morals and values and expect them to hold to them, regardless of what others do with their own offspring

6.       I apologize that you focused on long-term goals instead of that bad purse/car/vacation and have to justify to others why you don’t have them

7.       I apologize that you are having to explain why you work two jobs to make ends meet and expect others to also engage in self-sufficiency---to which you are blasted for being “not understanding of the plight of the poor”---even though you remain one additional part-time job away from being there yourself

8.       I apologize that you cannot show your love of Jesus/Allah/Buddha, etc. without being called a fanatic or zealot, or even worse---a potential terrorist

9.       I apologize that others do not understand your mantra of “anything worth having is worth working for”

10.   I apologize that you are called a “prude” or “cold” because you insist upon commitment prior to sexual activity

11.   I apologize because you give your kids a curfew, monitor their internet access, and want to meet all of their friends before they can go out----and others tell you that you are too cautious

12.   I apologize because you are a strong woman who cares about herself and recognizes her worth---and are therefore viewed as “stuck-up” or a female dog

13.   I apologize because you are a man who wants a relationship with one woman and are viewed as a sucker

14.   Finally, I apologize because society expects you to apologize for all of the above

Dr. Tyffani Monford Dent is a licensed psychologist/consultant/motivational speaker. She is also the author of Girls Got Issues: A Woman’s Guide to Self-discovery and Healing. Girls Got Issues is available on her website www.MonfordDentConsulting.com and www.amazon.com. Follow Dr. Dent on twitter: drtyffanimdent