Masking & Fitting In

The Sorry Reflex

For your guide

Choose your view

Explorer shows the broad version of the experience, without narrowing it to one neurotype.

Choose your view

Changing this updates how BirdStory explains experiences in your guide.

What do these views mean?

These views change the wording and examples BirdStory shows. They are not a diagnosis.

  • Explorer: A broad starting view for recognising patterns without choosing one neurotype.
  • ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Includes what some people still call ADD.
  • Autism: Autism spectrum. This view focuses on autistic patterns, sensory and social processing, predictability, and overwhelm.
  • AuDHD: A common shorthand for people who are both autistic and ADHD, or who strongly relate to both sets of patterns.
  • HSP: Highly Sensitive Person. Not a diagnosis, but a useful trait lens for sensitivity, depth of processing, and emotional or environmental intensity.

Pick the view that makes the experiences feel most recognisable.

Do you find yourself saying 'sorry' when someone else bumps into you?

Help someone understand this

The apology can leave your mouth before responsibility has even been considered. It appears for taking up space, asking a question, receiving help or simply being nearest when something inconvenient happens.

  • saying sorry because it started raining during plans you arranged
  • apologising to a cashier when their card reader fails
  • starting a reasonable request with an apology
  • saying sorry for taking a moment to think before answering

Looks vs reality

The same Experience can look very different from the outside than it feels on the inside.

How it gets read

Lacks self-esteem or is incredibly insecure.

What’s actually happening

Using 'sorry' as a shield to pre-emptively soften any potential criticism or conflict.

How it gets read

Being a doormat or overly submissive.

What’s actually happening

Trying to manage the flow of social energy and de-escalate tension before it even starts.

How it gets read

Feels guilty for everything.

What’s actually happening

It's just a verbal tic, a filler word that comes out automatically under stress.

How it gets read

Just wants attention or reassurance.

What’s actually happening

My goal is peace. I'm trying to make the space feel safe for everyone, including me.

Understand what’s happening—and help someone else understand.

Create a free account to explore what may be behind this Experience, which Birds may be involved, and how to explain it to someone else.

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