I almost apologised to the cashier for my card taking too long

Dear Delyara, That startled me. Not because the card delayed. Because my body moved toward apology so quickly over something that wasn’t remotely my fault. I heard myself say, “Sorry,” and realised how deeply I’ve been trained to smooth even tiny inconveniences for strangers with my own humility. It made me sad. That kind of habit doesn’t come from nowhere. It comes from years of trying to make the room easier before it can make you uncomfortable. I’m beginning to notice it more. That’s something.