19 Common Regrets People Have About Their Youthful Years

As time passes, our perspective becomes clearer. We often look back with a new understanding that we didn’t possess when we were younger. Reddit user bigchungusman12 asked, "What is your biggest regret from your twenties?" Here are some responses from others, including regrets shared by members of the Mytour Community.

1. "Instead of putting more money into my retirement fund, I spent my extra paychecks on 'fancier' clothes and premium liquor, while my friends stuck with cheap drinks and wore the same jeans for years. Now, at 43, my best friend’s retirement savings are twice mine, and I wish I could go back and make better financial choices."

2. "For years, I kept waiting. Waiting for family, friends, and even a romantic partner to join me in my plans. I waited for the right time, the right circumstances. Then, one day, I realized I was 30. I decided I couldn’t keep waiting anymore. If I want to do something or go somewhere now, I go—alone, if necessary. If you cancel on me, I’m still going. I’ve learned to stop waiting."

—petalpinkie

3. "I spent too much time staying in a job that was going nowhere, simply because I was afraid to chase after my dream career."

4. "I crossed entire oceans for people who wouldn’t even step through a small puddle for me."

—thatwasmycupcake

5. "Consuming excessive alcohol and the darkness it left in my mind, erasing precious memories..."

6. "I spent so much time focusing on relationships instead of working on myself. I used to be a people pleaser. I wish I could have prioritized my own growth rather than always giving to others."

—AGirlisNoOne83

7. "I don't like being single. Reflecting on it, my social life was always focused on finding 'the one.' I wish I had just enjoyed meeting new people."

8. "In retrospect, I wish I had embraced more risks and expected to fail. During my 20s, I tended to shy away from risks, but looking back, even if I had spent two years failing and learning and another two years in my 20s job (instead of four years in that job), I likely would have ended up in almost the same place, if not better, with more experience in both what I enjoy and what I don't."

—JustHereToHangOut

9. "My low self-esteem and lack of confidence led to missed opportunities. This shift takes time and requires a change in mindset, which can be uncomfortable at first. The first step is to stop comparing yourself negatively to others and stop putting yourself down. We often judge ourselves too harshly and are unfair to ourselves. Start recognizing when these negative thoughts arise and challenge yourself to replace them with positive reframes."

10. "Remaining in a relationship with someone I didn't truly care for during most of my 20s."

—hwhaleshark

11. "Not traveling as much as I would have liked. Now that I have more responsibilities, it’s become more challenging to just pack up and leave."

12. "Spending more time thinking about what I want to do rather than actually doing those things."

—LollyButtercup

13. "Neglecting proper care of my teeth. Over the years, I've spent the equivalent of two new cars on root canals, crowns, and implants, not to mention the pain and discomfort leading up to these procedures. Brush your teeth. Frequently. Floss daily, even though it's a hassle. Don't miss your regular check-ups. Most of these future dental problems can be easily prevented."

14. "Picking the wrong path in education. In high school, I was advised to 'choose a class you enjoy.' I liked economics at the time. If you have children, take the time to guide them in their decisions, because expecting a high schooler to figure out their life’s direction without any support is a mistake."

—IrateTimneh

15. "Underestimating my own intellect. I wish I had been more committed to working hard in school. A fulfilling career requires dedication to learning and focus. The rewards, not just financially but in terms of self-worth and satisfaction, are immense."

"I wasn’t careful with my credit. I got my first credit card at 18 and went completely overboard. It has taken me years to build up decent credit, and even more time to reach excellent credit."

"I regret not savoring life more. I never realized how quickly my younger years would fly by."

— mugshade1

"Fertility is on my mind! Despite what we might hope, not every woman will have excellent fertility until she’s between 35 and 40, easily conceiving a couple of children when she decides. I’m still in my twenties, but my egg count is similar to that of someone five years older, and right now, I’m struggling to conceive again..."

"It sounds so cliché, but I didn’t use enough sunscreen. I used to lay out with baby oil, trying to get a ‘savage’ tan. How foolish. Now, my face looks like the topographic map of California. Wear sunscreen, kids!"