For a long time, I thought saying sorry all the time was just an exagerated example of the stereotypical Canadian politeness. I used to say sorry a lot, but then so do all of my friends. It took me a while, but I eventually broke the habit. Years of working in a high profile job surrounded by male alpha jerks taught me assertiveness. It was either that or sink. Now I only apologize, if I've done something wrong.

If I bump into someone, I say "excuse me" instead.

--splitimage