65. People Pleasing Is a Trap and ‘Sorry’ Is the Bait; What to Say Instead of Apologizing Artwork

Mastering Midlife with Heidi

Are you at a place in your life where you think you should have it all figured out by now? Heidi Gustafson is a Board-Certified Hypnotist and Mindset Coach who has taken all her life challenges and turned them into her superpower of creating a life that she loves… and she coaches midlife women to do the same! If you feel like you've tried everything and still don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. From painful divorce to retirement, chronic people pleasing to crushing self doubt, Coach Heidi explores the reasons behind our actions and gives real-world solutions to living a happier, more fulfilling life. She'll teach you how to regain self trust, come to terms with the past, and allow space for your future. Midlife can be your best years yet. Stop merely surviving and get ready to thrive with Coach Heidi!

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Mastering Midlife with Heidi

65. People Pleasing Is a Trap and ‘Sorry’ Is the Bait; What to Say Instead of Apologizing

June 16, 2025 • Heidi Gustafson

What if saying “sorry” isn’t kindness — but self-doubt in disguise? And what if the key to less doubt and more respect is simply choosing a new way to speak?

In this episode, I'm showing you why "sorry" isn't creating the connection you think it is—and why it's actually making things worse.

Here's what you'll learn:

Why apologizing when you've done nothing wrong destroys your confidence
How saying "sorry" is a trap to avoid feeling guilty
Why over-apologizing pushes people away instead of bringing them closer and,
Exact phrases to use instead of "sorry"

If you people please, saying "sorry" is like trying to comb your hair with a hammer. It's the wrong tool!

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Heidi Gustafson

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