diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7bef8f36..8f316561 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # NIPs
 
-NIPs stand for **Nostr Implementation Possibilities**. They exist to document what MUST, what SHOULD and what MAY be implemented by [Nostr](https://github.com/fiatjaf/nostr)-compatible _relay_ and _client_ software.
+NIPs stand for **Nostr Implementation Possibilities**. They exist to document what may be implemented by [Nostr](https://github.com/fiatjaf/nostr)-compatible _relay_ and _client_ software.
 
 - [NIP-01: Basic protocol flow description](01.md)
 - [NIP-02: Contact List and Petnames](02.md)