I’ve written — somewhat brazenly naively — about apologizing when you’re not sorry to smooth over social situation. To progress this dialogue past where I was when I was 23: sometimes as a woman, it’s difficult to assert yourself, advocate for yourself and do so in a mature, respectful yet unapologetic way.

From a young age, we’re reminded to take care of other people’s feelings, but we don’t often dig into truly how to be your own advocate. I find myself often at an intersection of wanting to prioritize my needs, but fear what “they” will think.