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That's the thing about saying "sorry" or "excuse me" in…

“That's the thing about saying "sorry" or "excuse me" in this city. No one ever does. Or when we do apologize, we don't actually say it clearly. We just whisper the outline of excuse me or form the word sorry with our mouth, as if we expect people to lip-read.” quote by Susane Colasanti
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““That's the thing about saying "sorry" or "excuse me" in this city. No one ever does. Or when we do apologize, we don't actually say it clearly. We just whisper the outline of excuse me or form the word sorry with our mouth, as if we expect people to lip-read.””

Susane Colasanti

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Apologies in the city are half‑spoken, reflecting a culture of avoidance and indirectness.

In simple terms: People rarely say sorry clearly; they whisper it.

Key Takeaway

Speak apologies plainly to foster genuine connection.

Themes

communication city life honesty

Mood

critical observational

Type

cultural social commentary

When to use this quote

  • customer service
  • public transport
  • workplace conflicts
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

social norms verbal expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we avoid clear apologies?
  • What would change if we spoke apologies openly?
A Different Perspective

Direct apologies may be perceived as confrontational.

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