When you are late for a meeting, give a delayed reply to an email, or make another small error, don’t say “I’m sorry”.
Because it’s about you more than the other party.
It’s about assuaging your unprocessed guilt.
“Thanks for waiting,” “I appreciate your patience,” “next time I’ll plan better,” or no acknowledgment at all are better options.
Get to the point. Move forward. Create value.
When you really need to apologize, it will mean something.
