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#1
I was in a taxi one morning and we pulled up at the lights. Suddenly, there was a really loud, really scary, screaming coming from somewhere. I assumed it must be kids larking around but scanned the surrounding area anyway. I identified the screamer. 10 metres behind us, a man had his head trapped between the front of a bus and the pavement. He was clearly terrified but the bus driver didn't appear to notice him. With his head wedged inches from the bus wheel, this person was literally screaming for his life. The lights changed and the taxi carried me away. I often think about that man and wonder if he escaped with his life. I regret being the person that saw but did nothing to help. It torments me. And I deserve it.
Final score:
21points
MellonCollie 2 years ago
Sometimes we freeze in situations of utter stress like these, don't blame yourself. You know you will do better next time and warn the driver if you ever have the chance!
Kevin the Manager 2 years ago
Your amygdala or "lizard brain" made an involuntary decision for you. It chose from fight, flight, or freeze, and it sounds like freeze was the winner that day. I repeat the involuntary part, because you literally did not have the mental capability to do anything else. I hope that knowledge helps, even if it's just a little bit.
RELATED:
#2
Convincing myself (for years) to believe priests' b*****t: that emotional abuse and domestic violence in my family was my personal burden given by God, and I should just accept it. That I should respect my parents no matter what they did to me. That things will change for the better if I pray more and attend church constantly (they didn't); and if no improvement, this meant that I didn't pray from my heart, and I didn't have enough faith in God. I was 17-18 at the time. I often wondered how could anyone (let alone a priest) be so cruel to a teenager.
Final score:
21points
Ray McArdle 2 years ago
Nonsensical drivel. Nobody knows what qualifications priests have other than they claim to talk to God. They spew whatever garbage is in their heads. I'm happy you're doing well.
Trish Panda 2 years ago
Emotional abuse from parents can be rough. I was in denial for way too long that it was effecting me as much as it had. I hope you're in a better place now.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I'm so sorry you went through that. It was that priest's duty to help you get away from that abuse, not allow it to continue and blame you for it! Don't blame yourself for believing him, as he and your family were both the abusers and that means manipulation becomes second nature. I won't go into my opinions about God, but I will say I hope you were able to find faith in other people, if not God. You need someone you can rely on when you feel like you can't trust yourself. I hope you are doing better now.
#3
Not making a huge stink and dragging my husband to see a doctor. Not doing my best at school and therefore no Uni. Being complacent about finances and now having a few problems (It is getting better tho). Started smoking again after my husbands death.
Final score:
20points
scag$y 2 years ago
Aw hun, you've had it tough. If smoking helps, then smoke! I'm relieved to hear that your finances are on the mend, because some of us on here were a bit concerned that you might end up on 'onlyfans'! lol (I guess you always have that to fall back on!) Be kind to yourself, have a hug x
Caro Caro (Submission author) 2 years ago
Thanks Scagsy. Yeah, been through some really bad times but I'm doing better. It also helps that the weather is nice and sunny. Hugs back Scagsy.
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Caro Caro (Submission author) 2 years ago
Thank you. And a hug right back at ya !
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Violet1854 2 years ago
From what I have heard, you had to go through a lot. I hope you find happiness soon and all your problems be resolved. *Virtual Hugs*
Caro Caro (Submission author) 2 years ago
Thanks Violet. I'm getting better for sure ! Hugs back.
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Caro Caro (Submission author) 2 years ago
IKR ! If you think something is wrong, make a big stink, put your hands on your hips, act like a fish wife ....get him to a doctor.
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#4
I was leaving a thrift store one day. In front there was a security guard talking to a young man in extremely ragged and dirty clothes. She was telling him that he couldn't enter the store and he was yelling back at her saying these were his only clothes and he needed more. I wish to heck I had told him 'let me put this in my car, then I'll go back in and get you something.' I would have asked his sizes and gotten him at least one more pair of pants and 2 or 3 more shirts. I didn't and I think about it and regret it.
Final score:
15points
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I have had times I have felt the same way, wishing I had helped like that, but my social anxiety has stopped me. What really appals me in this story is the security guard! How can you stop anyone from shopping somewhere based on how they look, but even more so at a thrift store?! I don't know if they are all charities, like most of our op shops are in Australia, but either way, they are for people who want to buy second hand items, which mainly includes people in need. In the main chains we have here, homeless or low income people often get vouchers to spend there from aid organizations.
Salty Sasquatch (Submission author) 2 years ago
From my impression they wouldn't let him in because he'd stolen from the store too many times and they caught him. They didn't let him in just because he was dressed ragged.
Load More Replies... #5
Getting my very long waist length hair cut off. It’s growing back nicely now though 😊
Final score:
14points
#6
Being a mean person. While in recent years I've tried to be more polite on the internet (I'm pretty polite in real life, although I can be mean there, too) but watching people get angry at me as I push them further gives me such a thrill that I find hard to resist. One of the last things I did on twitter before my school computer blocked it was telling a guy who was recently rejected by his crush and was very sad about it. "skill Issue". I feel really bad about that because he was clearly very distressed. I also was a LOT meaner around last year (if you scroll through my comments you can see it), but I also had certain opinions that weren't right. Luckily, I've been pretty nice the past few months.
Final score:
10points
Kevin the Manager 2 years ago
It will help your mood to continue being nice and owning up to your past actions, just don't forget to forgive yourself as well. I was definitely a very nasty teen/twenty-something. I stole, lied, drank, smoked, sped (I've been removed from my vehicle at gunpoint 3 times), and harassed more or less everyone that was not in my little circle of heathens and misfits.
Trish Panda 2 years ago
It's okay to recognize fault in ourselves and work on it. I'm proud of you! Hopefully in the end you'll start to see how good it can feel to be nice.
Trish Panda 2 years ago
Not that I'm perfect at being nice, I had to work on it too, so I can relate
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#7
trying coming out to my parents... I have tried 3 or 4 times. My dad keeps telling me I'm not old enough to know. My mom asked me if I even knew what it felt like to be non-binary (this was before I realized I was pansexual and genderfluid) and then she forgot the next day...
Final score:
9points
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
It depends on how old you are. I'd not bother till I was ready to leave the house (meaning job and alternative accommodation), so if they give you attitude you can just leave.
ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ (tatum they/them) (Submission author) 2 years ago
thank you all for your supportive comments <3 In case your wondering, I have reached out for (some) help using a website called The Trevor Project, it specializes in helping LGBTQ+ teens in an environment where they don't feel wanted or welcome
Coyote Osborne 2 years ago
Ah yes. The old "pretend my child's revelation was all some fever dream..." tactic. Bleh.
insert name here 2 years ago
I'm sorry it went that way, and I hope this gets better for you :)
Trish Panda 2 years ago
All you can do is be true to yourself. That must have been very hard and I'm proud of you. One day their reactions may lead to regret in themselves.. but I hope one day you learn to grow out of yours. You are you and that's all you can be, they should accept it
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I think they know the truth, they just aren't ready to accept it. Well done for trying anyway. At least you have been through the questioning process and know who you are. I hope in time they will be able to actually hear what you are saying and accept you and that you stay strong and safe even if they don't. I think it says a lot about your trust in them that you have been able to attempt coming out, so I have high hopes that they will be able to understand eventually.
#8
My hubby and I were on a dive boat in Thailand, tired after our dive we were just watching the scenery as we returned to our resort. We saw a person on an island in the distance, alone, waving. We waved back .. they weren’t frantic or giving the signal for distress .. but I still wonder 20 years later if they were okay and if they got off that island!
Final score:
9points
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
If the island on the way to a resort, I'm sure they get enough boat traffic that if they did need help they would get it soon.
Kevin the Manager 2 years ago (edited)
I feel like Thailand, dive boat, resort, island, alone, and waving are all signs of an epic vacation...
Happy Sandwich 2 years ago
I'm sure they would be fine. If you saw them, I bet many others did as well.
#9
Having a child at 21. Way too young and not very good at it. I never did it again.
Final score:
8points
Trish Panda 2 years ago
All you can do is try to not put so much pressure on yourself and do your best. Try not to compare yourself to other parents. It will always be more challenging on a younger person to raise a child, but you can do it.
#10
Being so sarcastic all the time, now people think I'm serious when I'm really not, and its so annoying
Final score:
7points
Klopec 2 years ago
You need to pick and choose what comes out of your mouth. I'm still working on that and I'm 71.
Kevin the Manager 2 years ago
This just means you have become a Jedi Master of your craft. Use your power sparingly!
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
That's what I was like when I was younger. I'm still sarcastic, but not as much around new people. I remember my first friend I made at uni getting confused/upset when I responded to something sarcastically and so I toned it down a bit since then, at least until I get to know someone well.
#11
Reconnected with a childhood best friend. When we were young, we split as friends and I held a grudge for 8 years. As a teen, I thought it would be fun to reconnect. After we became friends again, I realized I still had feelings for him and I wanted to be more than friends. He found this out and took advantage of me in more than one way. I broke off the friendship and got PTSD from him.
Final score:
7points
Trish Panda 2 years ago
This is not your fault. I'm so sorry he was a gross user. You deserve so much more from a future partner. Someone who respects you
GhostlySnail (she/her) 2 years ago
Who downvoted this, what the heck? I’m so sorry that happened, have an upvote.
Coraline Hsieh 2 years ago
Why are there no comments??? I am so sorry and it was not your fault he took advantage of you. It must have been painful posting this.
Nicole Sanchez (Submission author) 2 years ago (edited)
You guys are gonna make me cry. I just kinda needed to get if off my chest. It happened not long ago and, as a teen, can't tell my parents about it
#12
So many. 1. Mostly about not setting clear boundaries in relationships. E.g. this one time I was close to "making it" with someone (won't give details) and then I stopped and she looked confused. It was really unclear whether I wanted to go further or her. That was just one case. Could have ended up being much worse. 2. Cruelty to a former partner who at the time was suffering severe depression but I didn't recognise it at the time. 3. Hitting on someone who was married. 4. Being too strict with my dogs and smacking them when they destroyed my garden out of sheer boredom. I really feel like I am a horrible person and have attempted suicide due to regret. If I can give anyone advice, it's this. Ask yourself if you are respecting someone's bodily integrity, and if you would behave the way you are behaving in front of work colleagues. If you'd talk like that, and act like that. If the answer is "no", stop immediately and apologise. Do not be a piece of s**t like me.
Final score:
6points
Auntriarch 2 years ago
You are not a piece of sh1t. You have done things that you regret, but you have changed. That's a good thing
Trish Panda 2 years ago
Doing a couple of s****y things don't make you a s****y person. The fact that you recognize you were wrong in these scenarios and feel regret mean you are human and make mistakes... which also means you have the tools to learn from them and try to be better in the future. That's all we can do. When I get frustrated with my dog for doing something like that and feel the urge to scream or slap, I take a deep breath and remind myself that they are basically little kids covered in fur that would just do anything to please me. Than I try to look around and figure what I could do differently in the future to stop my dog from doing it again. Ie: redirection with toys.
#13
I have 2 major regrets. First, when I was a child I nearly died due to poor care from my doctors so my mother sued the hospital. I was basically given a check for £50,000 at the age of 18 with zero supervision and I squandered that money. Secondly I had a gastric sleeve procedure 3 years ago and lost 7 stone (98 pounds) but I couldn’t feel the loss so I started eating again. I’ve gained back 4 stone (56 pounds) and I hurt all over. Big regrets
Final score:
6points
Joy 2 years ago
If you're able to, join an exercise class. Keep it light. Do what you can and at your pace and if suitable have regular saunas. Work out and exorcise the regrets - they can weigh heavy on a person's mind. The classes will release endorphins which will help you to feel good about yourself while the saunas can be used to sweat out the not-so-small stuff that might be weighing you down. I hope life gets better for you 🌿
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I finally joined an aqua aerobics class with my mum, after years of knowing it would help with my pain and weight, and I am now in much better shape and can actually enjoy life more because my pain is not as bad. It is a hard thing to start but once you do it is so much easier to keep going and so worth it. Aqua exercise is much easier on the body than a lot of other exercise so great when you are just starting out.
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Jan Moore 2 years ago
I got a gastric sleeve procedure many years ago. Worked for awhile. I have lost over 140 lbs. from my fattest time, but getting the procedure isn't enough, esp. if you are a compulsive over-eater. I haven't gained a lot back but in the past couple of months I have gained back about 5 lbs.The procedure doesn't change your mind set. At least I'm still gradually losing, don't know how how because I've gone back to my bad habits. I'm in my late 60's and the extra weight is really affecting my life.
#14
Going to college blindly. I wasted a lot of time and money because I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do. I wish I had a mentor that could have helped me navigate college or career choices.
Final score:
6points
Kevin the Manager 2 years ago
I wish they would begin offering classes to try in high school that spanned a wide variety of elective subjects, from accounting to plumbing to zoology. Give kids a taste of what the jobs looked like, an idea of what they would earn, how hard they would work, etc. Then, when they went to college, they could tuck all the necessary foundational classes in to earn the corresponding degree(s).
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Isn't that supposed to be the job of high schools? To at least ask you what you want and help point you in the right direction. I have always been against people going to uni if they don't know what they want to do as it's a waste of time and money (even if you don't have to pay up front here) though I know a lot of people do an 'arts' course or 'college year' to help them decide. I hope that you were able to find your path regardless.
#15
I regret putting so much of my life on and into Facebook. I got banned, couldn't find out why and with no recourse to reply. Stupidly lost a lot of unbacked up photos. When I moved abroad it was useful for me to keep in touch with my family who live in UK and US. What's worse is I bought an oculus for my wife and I set myself up as the admin and now I can't do anything with it. There is no way to contact them either. What a waste of time and money but I deeply regret the lost photos. I had tried to download my profile previously but for some reason it halted.
Final score:
5points
#16
I used to bully a kid. I feel horrible about it, and I never got a proper chance to apologize.
Final score:
5points
Caro Caro 2 years ago
You feel horrible and that means you have learned a lesson. Try apologizing in your head, write it on a bit of paper and do a ritual burn. I hope this helps. OH ... and forgive yourself.
#17
Haven't grab some amazing opportunity life thrown on my path and I regret every day
Final score:
3points
Klopec 2 years ago
We all have regrets of amazing opportunities, but sometimes its for the best that you passed on them.❤
Joy 2 years ago
Now that you've posted this, ask life to send you one more opportunity: anything. Something WILL come up. Take it and in maximising it, rid yourself of those regrets so that in time hopefully and ideally the opportunities that you didn't take can turn out to be the best decisions you ever made.
Mia G (Submission author) 2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words. I'll try🍀
Load More Replies... #18
Not something I did, so much as something I did not do. When I first met my MIL to be, I quickly realized that she was not an easy person to get along with. This is mostly due to a surprisingly strict upbringing, her family's shunning of emotional discussion, and a shared idea that seeking help (especially mental health help) was "weak." However, despite the fact that I knew if I let her believe she could run over me through words and deeds, I never established strong, solid boundaries. Now, 10 years later, she is living with us and, quite frankly, bullying me every day. It is admittedly a "simple" situation in which I need to stand up to her and let her know what behavior will not be accepted, but obviously, that is easier said than done.
Final score:
3points
Kevin the Manager (Submission author) 2 years ago
Yes. We are finally (like, as of 2 days ago) beginning to address the situation together in therapy.
Load More Replies... Danish Susanne 2 years ago
Setting boundaries it not something you cannot do when you decide to do it.
#19
Fell in love for the first time when I was 16. I ended up having a miscarriage in secret and kept it that way for years. Finally went to counseling to deal with it. Counseling helped, but 40 years later, the whole thing still haunts me. I lost my baby in the 5th month and have never been able to have another.
Final score:
3points
#20
I don't know if this counts as it's something I didn't do (looked after my teeth) it came back to haunt me big time, spent many an hour in the dentist chair (which as we all know ain't no fun) brush boys and girls 👍
Final score:
2points
#21
As a pansexual panda who eats pancakes on a pan, I regret pouring milk before my cereal.
Final score:
1point
Pancake_Pansexual_Panda (Submission author) 2 years ago
Okay, sorry? But please don't downvote me, thank you.
Load More Replies... #22
I'm sorry I didn't join the armed forces.🇺🇸
Final score:
1point
Danish Susanne 2 years ago
Will it comfort you to think, that if you had joined you might not have gotten any chance to regret it, because you would be dead
#23
Regret spending every holiday with spouse's family (although they're great) at the cost of my family. Never made any traditions with them (although they're not so great).
Final score:
1point
#24
I regret not working harder and school and getting a secondary education. I feel it will be impossible for me to ever get a job that can cover my life's needs.
Final score:
1point
#25
Marry the ex. She was infertile and was silent eight years. I got the truth from her doctor.
Final score:
1point
#26
I regret being born and not offing myself 2 years ago when I had the chance. I also regret giving a cake with nuts in it to a friend who was allergic to them on purpose. He didn’t have much of a severe reaction, he just felt nauseous but I feel so guilty about it because I could’ve killed him or permanently altered his life and he wasn’t even a bad person. I wish I could say sorry to him but he went to a different school the next year. I don’t even think I can call him a “friend” because of what I did
Final score:
1point
Magik Darkchilde 2 years ago
Hey, you were born for a reason. Find him, it doesn't matter if he went to a different school, if you have the internet you can find him.
#27
(tw: s*icide, self-harm) Hey, I always think that I wasted my junior high experience because of my depression. My junior high was the worst. I was treated as scum. My best friend suddenly hated me and made sure I had the worst year ever. I was pressured into dating a guy and turns out he was dared to date me. When I found out I cried but everyone said it was my fault, and I still do think that. Teacher's yelled at me for crying in class, counselor never helped and even made things worse. At some point I considered suicide and started self-harming, and I ran away from home for two days. And every day I blamed myself. Eventually, I got the help I need after an attempt on my life. Slowly I got back on my feet. The second half of my grade 9 year was me at my best. I'm finishing junior high in two weeks now and I feel happier with new people who actually see the good in me and make me feel happy. But sometimes I look back and wonder if things could have been different. Everyone thought they were being funny, and I pretended to go along with it. I still find myself hanging otu with them. And sometimes I think that it's all my fault for not sucking it up and wasting my school year. Maybe I'm right. sorry this is long
Final score:
1point
Caro Caro 2 years ago
I'm very glad you are doing much better but listen: don't hang out with the people who hurt you. It will do you more harm than good bc: am I right that after you've hanged out with them your self-esteem falls and you feel less about yourself? Be with your new friends who are real friends bc they don't hurt you. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Way to go!!!! Get that diploma
What do you think ?
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
Not calling CPS when my foster sister dropped off her infants with bite marks. But I was just a kid and needed to be able to stay there. Fortunately the kids grew up to be fine. But I've never asked them what growing up was like.
James S 2 years ago
I ended a 2 year relationship with a note. It was a horrible thing to do. I should've had the courage to tell her in person. I've regretted it ever since and I tried hard to be a better person in relationships afterwards. I must have improved myself somewhat as I married my next girlfriend and we've been happy together for 23 years. I'm just sorry I hurt a good person.
SheamusFanFrom1987 2 years ago (edited)
I wasn't the best friend to my dog. I didn't outright neglect him but all I did was make sure he was fed and walked as regularly as possible. I didn't play much with him and we grew somewhat far apart. He recognized me enough to eat and go on walks occasionally but we never became close. That little pooch died in 2020 and I realized, part of me died along with him. It still does feel empty. Which is the main reason why I try to feed any and every stray I see, dog or cat. It's not a long-term solution but at least it takes away the guilt for a while. Ironically, these strays would just let me get close rather than be wary of me most times. It feels like they sense my guilt and want to help me make amends perhaps, or they could just be hungry but in a way, it's a redemption-for-a-while moment for me. I know I messed up so I'll probably be atoning for my sins forever.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I was unfaithful to my husband. It only happened once, but I regret it more than anything I've ever done. I cried for days afterwards, so angry and horrified with myself that I would do such a thing, but so incredibly sad that my marriage had deteriorated to the point that I was that desperate for affection and companionship. I didn't tell my then-husband what I did, it wouldn't have accomplished anything and I didn't want to give him that hurt, but it was what finally made me work up the courage to ask for a divorce.
Caro Caro 2 years ago
The fact that you felt guilty says a lot about you. It means you have morals and a conscience - That's good. If you stay in a loveless relationship you need to save yourself (your soul) and that's what you did and I bet it took courage to do so. I hope you are happy now.
Load More Replies... Danish Susanne 2 years ago
These posts were really sad to read. Reminded me of a nurse who pulbished a list of the things people tend to regret not doing when they are about to die. Please remember, that there may not be time later to do the things you wish to do or say to your family and friends that you care.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
Not calling CPS when my foster sister dropped off her infants with bite marks. But I was just a kid and needed to be able to stay there. Fortunately the kids grew up to be fine. But I've never asked them what growing up was like.
James S 2 years ago
I ended a 2 year relationship with a note. It was a horrible thing to do. I should've had the courage to tell her in person. I've regretted it ever since and I tried hard to be a better person in relationships afterwards. I must have improved myself somewhat as I married my next girlfriend and we've been happy together for 23 years. I'm just sorry I hurt a good person.
SheamusFanFrom1987 2 years ago (edited)
I wasn't the best friend to my dog. I didn't outright neglect him but all I did was make sure he was fed and walked as regularly as possible. I didn't play much with him and we grew somewhat far apart. He recognized me enough to eat and go on walks occasionally but we never became close. That little pooch died in 2020 and I realized, part of me died along with him. It still does feel empty. Which is the main reason why I try to feed any and every stray I see, dog or cat. It's not a long-term solution but at least it takes away the guilt for a while. Ironically, these strays would just let me get close rather than be wary of me most times. It feels like they sense my guilt and want to help me make amends perhaps, or they could just be hungry but in a way, it's a redemption-for-a-while moment for me. I know I messed up so I'll probably be atoning for my sins forever.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I was unfaithful to my husband. It only happened once, but I regret it more than anything I've ever done. I cried for days afterwards, so angry and horrified with myself that I would do such a thing, but so incredibly sad that my marriage had deteriorated to the point that I was that desperate for affection and companionship. I didn't tell my then-husband what I did, it wouldn't have accomplished anything and I didn't want to give him that hurt, but it was what finally made me work up the courage to ask for a divorce.
Caro Caro 2 years ago
The fact that you felt guilty says a lot about you. It means you have morals and a conscience - That's good. If you stay in a loveless relationship you need to save yourself (your soul) and that's what you did and I bet it took courage to do so. I hope you are happy now.
Load More Replies... Danish Susanne 2 years ago
These posts were really sad to read. Reminded me of a nurse who pulbished a list of the things people tend to regret not doing when they are about to die. Please remember, that there may not be time later to do the things you wish to do or say to your family and friends that you care.
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