Why do some people say sorry a lot? Could it be from abuse or from feeling like they never do anything right?

It could be ‘Sorry Syndrome’.

Constantly apologizing, and constantly taking responsibility for something you don’t need to be sorry for will slowly undermine your self-esteem and self-worth.

The words “I’m sorry” is as common as the greeting “hello”. We say sorry a lot – to the point where it’s almost an automatic reaction. The words are tossed around so frequently and casually that what should be powerful words really, have no meaning.

We say sorry when we accidentally bump a stranger in a coffee shop. We say sorry when we’re late. And when we make a royal mistake and end up hurting someone because of our actions, we use that same sorry. But the situations are completely different – yet we conclude with the exact same apology.

If you suspect you may be an over-apologizer, here are some ideas for keeping your apologies in check.

1. Say "thank you" instead. When your roommate or significant other does the dishes, rather than apologizing for not having done them yourself (which just burdens them with the need to reassure you), express your gratitude (which makes them feel happy and appreciated, and probably more apt to voluntarily do the dishes again later). This only applies, of course, when you generally do your share of the chores--if your roommate is in a huff because your never help out, thanking them for what they really should not have had to do may only annoy them further.

2. Save it. Saying sorry too much can trivialize the act of apology, making the important ones carry less weight. Don't cry wolf--save it for when you really need it, and mean it.

3. Try not to mess up in the first place. Easier said than done, of course. But if you know you have a (preventable) bad habit that negatively affects other people, better to try to avoid doing it in the first place, or at least avoid repeating it, rather than just apologizing after the fact.

4. Know where to draw the line. Apologize for your role in a negative event, but leave it at that. If you’re someone who likes to make amends and resolve conflict right away, it may be tempting to apologize for more than your share just to smooth everything over. But doing this can lead you to feel resentful and can let others off the hook too easily.

5. Embrace your imperfections. You don't have to apologize for having a bad hair day, for spilling on your shirt, or for needing three attempts to parallel park.

6. Get support. If you are racked with guilt and shame even when you've done nothing

"Sorry Syndrome": Do You Apologize for the Rain? - Positive Prescription