Another user pointed out a pronunciation that helps. Some accents pronounce the H in words more than others, “an 'istorical” does trigger whatever my brain does with the hard H after an.

Also Lacking the ability myself, I only have respect for people that speak more than one language.

Absolutely no need for an apology friend. Its very much a regional thing as well. But having this discussion im sure someone will learn something they didnt know about the world so in a way, we are by having this discussion helping people learn, and i think its good to learn even if its only useful to others witnessing this discussion