I’m sorry.

I’m sorry that I care about the feelings of other people and try to be in tune with their sensitivities.

I’m sorry that I prioritize not offending people because I care about how receptive they are to what I’m saying.

I’m sorry that I try to choose my words carefully because I’m concerned about how my words might impact other people.

I’m sorry that I try to give women, especially black women, the dignity they deserve, and don’t refer to them as “bitches” or “hoes” or “females.”

I’m sorry that I choose to refer to people by the name and pronoun they actually want to be called.

I’m sorry that I don’t adopt your ignorant perspective on racial slurs being “just words.”

I’m sorry that I don’t find your racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic jokes amusing.

I’m sorry that I don’t slut-shame people and don’t look down on sex workers.

I’m sorry that I empathize with impoverished people and don’t immediately subscribe to regressive stereotypes and false narratives.

I’m sorry that I don’t whine about how sensitive the world is whenever I’m called out on my mistakes. I’m sorry that I just take criticism in stride and actually try to grow as a human being.

I’m sorry that I’m not an asshole on purpose.

Actually…fuck all that.

That’s not something to be sorry about.