No Don't

10 (more) things you should never have to apologize for :

Do you find yourself frequently apologizing for everything or feeling guilty for disappointing your family and friends - even though you're happy with your decision? Apologizing for something you're not sorry for only brings you down, but when you stand up for what you believe in, it empowers you and reaffirms your values.

Remember: Not everyone is going to agree with your decisions. It's not your job to make them feel better about it by apologizing; it's your job to make sure you're happy with yourself. Last month we covered 10 Things You Should Never Have to Apologize For, and our readers loved it! Here, we give you 10 more things you should never have to apologize for.

1 Converting to a New Faith

Changing religions can be a hugely stressful situation. You're already battling the internal fight between which faith is right and wrong. On top of that, your family members, friends, and even members of your church are trying to talk you out of it.

You shouldn't have to apologize for leaving the church. Standing up for your new beliefs while respecting the members of your old church can help you determine if you're headed in the right direction. If you still feel good about it, then you know you're making the right choice.

2 Being Sick

Whether you have a mild flu, cancer, or depression, never apologize for being sick. It's not something you can control. You may not like the cards fate dealt you, but that doesn't mean you have anything to apologize for.

Continue doing what you can to get better, and when you encounter someone who's fishing for an apology, don't say you're sorry; help them understand what you're going through instead.

3 Leaving Someone When it's For Your Own Good

Have you ever ditched a bad friend or left an abusive relationship? The person you left might criticize you, or your family and friends might say you were stupid for leaving.

Don't say you're sorry. It was for you own good, and there's no reason to be sorry about that.

4 Your Income

Do people make fun of your low income? Even if you're not pleased with your income, there is no reason to apologize. You work hard for your money, and you put a lot of effort into getting to where you are.

Don't let an apology about your income make you feel bad about where you've been and are going with your career.

On the other end of the spectrum, people might tease you for your high-paying job. There's no reason to be sorry for being successful.

5 Not Knowing the Answer

Admitting that you don't know the answer to something is empowering. It shows that you're willing to learn, are open-minded, and are humble. Why apologize for that?

Instead of apologizing, treat the situation as an opportunity to learn.

6 Needing Some Time Alone

We all need some alone time. Unfortunately, most of us don't get that alone time between screaming children and demanding bosses.

If you need to take just 30 minutes for a bubble bath or even a week-long getaway, don't let yourself feel guilty about it.

Not only do you deserve it, but you need alone time every now and then to sort through your thoughts and to reduce stress.

7 Getting Something off Your Chest

We tend to carry thoughts around with us when we don't want to hurt people's feelings or start drama. Sometimes, however, certain things really need to be said, especially when the weight of hanging onto them is only stressing you to the max.

Say what you need to say, but don't apologize for being honest and open to a healthy conversation.

8 Being Successful

It's a sad truth that people can make us feel bad about our successes no matter how big or small. You might hear remarks like, "You could have done better," even from the people closest to you.

Here's the truth: a success is a success no matter how small, whether it's hitting your goal weight or graduating from a doctorate program.

Let these successes empower you, and never once feel sorry about them.

9 Asking for Help

For some reason, we tend to think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It isn't. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

It shows that you're honestly willing to learn and to make a change. Whether you're looking for a tutor to help you understand your homework or you're seeking a counsellor to help you work through your depression, you should feel good about taking this step since it can build you into a better person.

10 Anything You Gave Your All To, Even if it Didn't Work Out

If you're passionate about anything, then you've likely put your all into something, whether it was a relationship or a career choice.

Unfortunately, giving it all you've got doesn't always turn out the way you planned. Your career may come to an early halt, or your relationship may not work out. As long as you did what you could to make it work, you shouldn't apologize for the journey.What else should we add to the list? Write to the traditional way and share your thoughts. Our address is Spectrum Living - Sunday Observer, No. 35 D. R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.