Fuck Apologies?

I recently started personal training sessions at my works gym facility.  Last week was the first session with Jennifer, my fitness instructor.  Before delving in, we talked of my fitness goals and the frequency with which I was going to see her; from that, we developed somewhat of a training plan.  We also exchanged pleasantries, to which she inquired if 1) I was easily offended and 2) If I was bothered by swearing (I knew we would get along just fine!).

About 20 minutes into the session, on the third set of the 5 exercise HIIT sequence she assigned me, I forgot one of the exercises.  So, naturally, I apologized.  She stops me to say, "if you apologize to me again, I will make you do 10 push-ups."  (My inner speech cries out, "I'm sorry, what was that again??!!")

She explained to me that in her experience as a fitness instructor, many of her female clients often apologize to her for actions that don't warrant an apology...just as I did.

It's funny; I don't recall how many times I apologized to her in the course of 20 minutes but, it was enough for her to pull the "apology push-up" card!

After the session, as I'm walking to my car, I thought about the conversation we exchanged (I also thought about how sore I was going to be the next 2 days!).  It piqued my interest and I wanted to learn more; so, I read a few articles and took the opportunity to look inward, as it was apparent that I, too, suffered the same affliction.

Could it be a natural reflection of low self-esteem? Is it ones need to please and placate others?  Is it that our perception of an event (that may or may not vindicate an apology) is vastly different than our male counterparts?  Or is it just a learned response of politness?

In my opinion, I think the answer(s) differs greatly female to female.  It's necessary to take in consideration social norms (past and present), developmental upbringing, gender stereotypes, etc. For example, women, in general, are expected to be empathetic and men are expected to be assertive.  So it may be fair to say that women are more concerned about others emotional expereince in conversation than men, which would explain the need to placate or apologize.

Whatever the reason or reasons that we apologize more frequently than men, I don't think it's a bad thing (unless it's overly excessive).  However, I will definitely refrain from doing so in my personal training sessions!