Gratitude, Not Apologies: State your boundaries with “Thank You”, not “Sorry”

Expressing gratitude instead of constantly apologizing conveys confidence and authority. I’ve been playing around with this in the last couple months and noticed a shift in my body where I felt more comfortable, confident and powerful.

We’re not saying to never apologize, but only apologize when it is necessary and appropriate. Overusing “sorry” can inadvertently undermine your perceived confidence. Saying “thank you” instead of “sorry” shifts the focus from a perceived wrongdoing to a positive acknowledgment or appreciation.

Instead of apologizing for not being available or taking on too much, express gratitude for the understanding of your limits. For instance, say, “Thank you for understanding that I need some time for self-care right now” or “Thank you for respecting my boundaries.”

Rather than apologizing for prioritizing your needs, express thanks for others’ understanding. For example, say, “Thank you for supporting me in taking time for myself” or “Thank you for respecting my need to prioritize my well-being.”

When establishing expectations or communicating limitations, replace apologies with appreciation. Instead of saying sorry for potential disappointment, say, “Thank you for your understanding in advance”

Transform apologies for self-care into gratitude for support. Say, “Thank you for supporting my journey to prioritize self-care” or “Thank you for respecting the boundaries that contribute to my well-being.”

Foster open communication by thanking others for sharing their feelings and concerns. “Thank you for being honest about your feelings” or “Thank you for trusting me with your thoughts.”