Situations Where Women Benefit By Not Saying “I’m Sorry” : In many public social and work situations women often use the phrase “I’m sorry” as a courtesy, much the way people use the phrase “Excuse me” or “Pardon me.” There is nothing problematic about this at all, in and of itself. However, there can be a negative impact on others no matter how casually the words “I’m sorry” are spoken. These words are often perceived as demonstrating weakness in the speaker.