I'm sorry, BUT...

Webster's defines "sorry" as: the feeling sorrow, regret, or penitence
Webster's defines "but" as: except for the fact

"I'm sorry, but"....everyone has said this. I have many quirks, and a few pet peeves, this is my new all time biggest pet peeve. If you say Sorry, and mean it, there should be no but's about it. (notice the cleaver pun...oh yea.) Saying but negates everything you previously stated, which would be the apology in this case. Saying but after an apology, in my opinion, is a cop out. You said sorry because you felt you had to but you don't think you were really wrong so you say but to continue proving your point. Take the definitions for example....

"I regret saying you were ugly, except for the fact that you really are ugly sometimes."

Leave out the but and your problem is solved (well calling someone ugly should be avoided at all times, but that's another issue). Don't say I'm sorry unless you can say it without the but. If that isn't possible, then hold off on the apology and wait until it is possible to leave out the but. I'm somewhat young, but this is a lesson I have learned in my life and I think everyone can at least benefit from trying this.

Now that I think about it, try leaving but out of your vocabulary. "I'm trying to be nice to her, BUT"......See if you can go without using the word "but" for one whole day, then try it for 30 and you will start a new habit. I'll try this and let you know how it goes.