We often see news articles portraying the greatest regrets of the elderly on their deathbeds. Although those stories are tragic, the truth is people of all ages have regrets, and we can learn from them as well.
Let these regrets be a lesson to you on how you approach relationships throughout your life.
Too Focused on Things
One Redditor received over 6000 upvotes for sharing the horrible mistake they made as a child. “When I was 7 or 8 years old, I snapped at my dad for getting me the wrong video game, and I can still see the disappointment in his face.”
Others shared their stories about valuing material things over the essential people in their lives. Most of them grew to appreciate the thought and effort that went into gift giving rather than the gift itself and still kick themselves over their previous ungrateful behavior.
Not Visiting a Friend in Need
One Redditor confessed a heartbreaking situation. They called a struggling friend and offered to visit, but the friend declined, saying they were fine. The next day, they were notified that the friend had passed away.
Users were quick to point out that it wasn’t their fault, and although the original commenter knows that on a conscious level, it’s still hard to work through the regretful feelings.
Visit your friends when you can, especially if they are in need.
Too Cool for Grandparents
When your grandparents want to spend time with you, you should try to do it. You never know how much time you have left with them.
One user regretted turning down their grandfather’s request for a chess match. Unfortunately, the grandfather had a horrible accident a few days later, and they never got the opportunity to bond over chess.
Another user offered sage words of advice: “we can’t spend every moment with the people that love us. We just can’t. And they don’t expect us to. It wouldn’t be healthy. And so we will ALL have SOME moments where we have said no. And that’s okay.”
Getting Married
Marriage is supposed to be the happily ever after fairytale we all strive for, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. One Redditor said getting married was their biggest regret in life.
Marriages are great when they work out, but all too often, things happen, and people change. Some folks are manipulative users and only show their true faces after getting what they want, while others mean no harm but grow apart.
Unfortunately, divorce can be expensive, with the average divorce costing over $15,000! If you’re getting married, sign a prenup to protect yourself.
Parenthood
Parenthood isn’t for everyone. Society pushes it onto people so much that folks just do it without considering all the pros and cons. Many realize it’s not for them when it’s too late.
Don’t become a parent unless you truly know you want to dedicate your life to it.
Acting Grown
Kids try so hard to be grown up, only to realize that they should have enjoyed and appreciated childhood more. Once it’s gone, it’s never coming back.
Others disagreed, saying they love the independence and freedom adulthood brought and don’t understand why people would miss childhood.
Nurturing Failing Relationships
Nothing lasts forever, even friendships and relationships. One Redditor was gilded for admitting they spent too much time nurturing relationships doomed to fail.
Sometimes you have to let things go. We spend too much time and effort trying to maintain relationships with people that don’t care about us. The hardest part is understanding when to cut ties.
Devaluing Education
Our system expects kids to have the maturity to understand how vital education is for future success. Some folks in their thirties and forties regret goofing off in school and not trying hard in college. It feels too late for a re-do.
Not Opening a Retirement Account at 18
Invest early, invest often. When it comes to building wealth, time is your best friend. One user admitted they failed by not opening up a retirement account the second they could.
Remember, don’t try to time the market. Like a river, it ebbs and flows and will have periods of poor performance. Those who leave their money invested in a downturn will likely score big over the long haul.
Not Setting Boundaries
One Redditor said they regret “Being too kind to people that do me wrong all the time.” The comment is really getting at healthy boundaries.
Too many of us bend over backward for folks, regardless of how poorly they treat us. Setting healthy boundaries will help us escape this pattern.
Sticking With the First Opinion
We know our bodies better than doctors. If something feels right and a doctor keeps dismissing you, get a second opinion. Many people regret living in pain because a doctor said they were fine when they weren’t.
Credit Card Debt
It can feel like magic when you’re 18 and get that first credit card! However, far too many of us overspend and end up stuck in a neverending cycle of debt.
The user received over a thousand upvotes for admitting that their maxed-out credit cards were busting their budget every month.
To avoid the same issues, only charge what you can afford, and pay your bill in full each month. If you’re already in debt, consider low APR balance transfers or a debt consolidation loan to help you pay it off.
Staying Angry
Far too many Redditors expressed regret at an argument they never had the opportunity to apologize for. Many went to bed angry, refused hugs, and lashed out at loved ones for what now seems like silly reasons, only to find the opportunity lost.
Don’t let petty arguments get in the way of showing love to important people in your life. Tomorrow isn’t always promised.
Giving Up Your Passion
People lose sight of what really matters when they join the workforce. They no longer have time for the things they love, like music, art, or gaming. Don’t stop doing what you love just because you have to work. Find time for it.
Rekindle that Passion and Live Your Dream Life
Your dream life is within reach. Your passion is buried deep inside of you, aching to burst free. Here’s how to rediscover your passion and life the life you always wanted.
Avoid Regrets by Living Your Best Life
The life you want is within reach! Here are 37 tips to help you live a fulfilling life.
Avoid Regrets by Finishing Your Bucket List
The world abounds with excitement and adventure. Whether you prefer to get your adventures at home or out in the wild, we have bucket list ideas for you.
Consider adding some of these 200 activities to your must-do list!
Time Flies – Savor Every Moment
They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away.
Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment
Improve Your Life
If you’re not ready for the hard work, take smaller steps that will help you improve your life starting today.
Find out more: How To Improve Your Life Right Now
Source: Reddit