The constant apologising women do for being alive

[ElfenorRathbone]

I read this article in Jezebel just now and nodded in recognition.

Just thought I'd post it as it's good.

I think it's a British thing as much as anything. Plenty of times I've bumped into people on the Tube or the street here, and they've apologised to me!

Personally I could probably do with apologising a bit more, in situations like the above my first instinct is to tut at the person for being in the way .

But then I never recognise myself in these 'this is what women are like' articles...

Speaking of "a British thing" I remember reading some article about the British character, and the author claimed to have seen an incident in a shop which was on two levels with a step in between. A man stumbled on the step, then turned around and said "Oh, excuse me". Well, you can imagine it.

But is it reflexive politeness or a morbid lack of self-esteem, or both?