Many people enjoy boasting about having zero regrets and standing by every decision they’ve ever made. And while dwelling on the past can be harmful, is it really so bad to reflect on our lives and wish we had done just a few things differently?
Redditors over 40 have been opening up about the biggest regrets they have from their youth, so we’ve gathered some of their thoughts below. Whether they wish they had started a skincare routine sooner or feel that they missed out on valuable time with their parents, we appreciate their honesty. Enjoy reading through and reflecting on your own choices, and be sure to upvote the replies that remind you not to make the same mistakes!
- Read More: People Who Are 40 And Over Share Their Biggest Regrets So You Can Learn From Their Mistakes
#1
Not asking older family members more questions about our family and forebears while they were still alive.
Image credits: PeggyNoNotThatOne
#2
Caring too much about what others thought of me.
Image credits: Asexualhipposloth
#3
Thinking I needed a romantic partner to be happy. I stayed in an abusive marriage for so long because I couldn’t imagine doing things alone. It is infinitely better to be alone than in a bad relationship. When I choose to be in a relationship again, it will be because I’m happy and compatible with the person, not because I don’t want to be alone.
Image credits: anitabelle
#4
Not setting firm boundaries with people. Givers have to set limits because takers have no limits.
Image credits: log899
#5
Not enjoying being single. Looking back my social interactions were centered around finding the one. I should have just enjoyed getting to know people
Image credits: atx_buffalos
#6
I should’ve started traveling much earlier in life, while i was still young & fit. That & not taking better care of my teeth
Image credits: thrwawaythrwaway_now
#7
Not saving money is a big one. The younger you are simple things like a dollar a day, or 10-20 etc in an account that you don’t withdrawal from.
Image credits: JackSkelllington
#8
Seems so cliche but I did not wear enough sunscreen. I used to do the whole lay out with baby oil so I could get a “savage” tan. How stupid. Now my face looks like a topographic map of California. Wear sunscreen kids!
Image credits: Catalyst886
#9
Not enjoying it more , didn’t realize how fast my younger years would pass
Image credits: mugshade1
#10
Living life on other people’s terms, and not mine. Young people: it’s YOUR life. YOU are entitled to live it the way YOU want. ❤️
Image credits: trashleybanks
#11
Stretching and maintaining muscle mass. When I had kids I stopped both and it took a decade to get that back. Treat your body well. Something happens around 38 and the better shape you are in the better your 40’s and after will feel.
Image credits: katelynn2380210
#12
Not appreciating how lovely I was
Image credits: marvellousmim82
#13
Shoulda worn ear plugs at all of those concerts…
Image credits: jer123456and7
#14
Worrying so much. In hindsight all that stuff seem so silly now.
Image credits: Hattkake
#15
Smoking for several years! Waste of money and not good for the health
Image credits: takechances2024
#16
Not learning a musical instrument. I’m trying now but it’s harder at my ancient age.
Image credits: loves-science
#17
Trusting authority figures and older adults above my own instinct on things.
Image credits: ifnotmewh0
#18
Spending most of my 20s drunk. I don’t regret all the fun, because it was great fun. But I could have had that same fun without being so wasted. I kicked it in my early 30s, don’t miss it.
Image credits: SouthTippBass
#19
Not getting the mental health assistance I desperately needed.
I’ve suffered from anxiety and mild depression since my teen years. In part, it made me a recluse and a social outcast because I felt I was unable to interact properly with people and the world.
Today, on meds, I am a different person. I no longer fear social interactions, and if I was aware of the results back when I was a teen, I likely would have made better decisions for myself.
Image credits: ZephyrShow
#20
Spending too much time worrying about love and not enough time concentrating on happiness.
Image credits: UsesCommonSense
#21
**Deferring too readily to the judgment of others.** I had the naive belief that other people had my best interest at heart. Speak up for yourself. Defend your own decisions. No one is out there waiting to make you a star.
Image credits: Gorf_the_Magnificent
#22
Dating/being friends with losers and feeling responsible for them.
Image credits: Hollocene13
#23
Not being careful with my credit. I got my first credit card at 18 and went absolutely crazy. It’s taken me years to climb up to decent credit and even more years to get to excellent credit.
Image credits: BlackBra81
#24
Not saving for my retirement as soon as I got a job when I was 18, started at 25. I’m 43 now, won’t retire until I’m closer to 70
Image credits: Trin_42
#25
Not investing and not appreciating people who love you.
Image credits: PermissionCrazy8452
#26
Speaking too quick not listening and thinking more.
Image credits: Brave_Bluebird5042
#27
Not going harder at everything, thinking I had time.
You dont.
Image credits: duraace206
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