Over-apologizing is the habit of saying “sorry” excessively, even when an apology isn’t necessary. It often stems from feelings of low self-esteem, a desire to avoid conflict or a fear of seeming assertive. While apologizing is appropriate in certain situations, constantly doing so can diminish the value of genuine apologies, make you appear uncertain or insecure, and negatively impact your confidence and communication. Over-apologizing can become a reflexive habit, leading to misunderstandings in personal and professional relationships.