

2617: The One Word that Kills an Apology AND The Wake Up Call to Stop Overcommitting by Dr. Allison Niebes-Davis
Jun 8, 2025
Discover the power of language in apologies, as a single word can undermine sincerity. Learn why using 'but' can negate your remorse and how to take true ownership of your actions. Delve into the dangers of overcommitting and find out how saying 'yes' impacts your priorities. The discussion encourages setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, leading to healthier relationships and a more intentional life.
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"But" Kills Apology Impact
- The word "but" in an apology negates the sincerity of the apology and shifts responsibility away from oneself.
- Removing "but" and using "and" or a period maintains accountability and strengthens the apology's impact.
Apologize Without "But"
- When apologizing, avoid using "but"; instead, embrace a straightforward apology with a period or use "and" to connect your thoughts.
- This approach fully acknowledges your mistakes without minimizing their impact or shifting blame.
Costs of Overcommitting
- Overcommitting originates from kindness and fear of disappointing others but exhausts your finite time and energy.
- Saying yes to one thing inherently means saying no to something else, costing precious resources.