Something that most of you have in common is either regretting the things you did or what you never found the courage or perseverance to follow through with. As you grow older, you tend to grow wiser, and you start recognizing the opportunities you missed, the habits you should have developed, and the relationships you should prioritize more in the future.
Though a ‘perfect’ life and avoiding mistakes is impossible, you can live with more intent and joy, no matter if you’re a teenager looking at college applications or freshly retired. The AskReddit community members recently opened up about their biggest regrets from their twenties, and it’s eye-opening regardless of your age or how (un)successful you might be. We’ve collected their top stories to share with you, so scroll down to check them out.
Bored Panda reached out to neuroscientist Nicole Avena, Ph.D., for her advice on what healthy habits young adults should pursue, as well as which ones they should steer clear of. Dr. Avena is the author of Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction, and you'll find the insights she shared with us below.
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#21
Wasting time on men that weren't any good for me.
18points
What are the biggest things you regret about your twenties, dear Pandas? On the flip side, what are the things you’re most proud of having achieved? What advice would you give someone who’s in their twenties to help them make the most of their life now? What tips do you wish you’d have gotten when you were younger?
How old are you right now and what are you doing to enjoy life to the fullest? What weird habits have you picked up over the years? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below.
#22
Not contributing to my 401(k).
17points
#23
Taking advice from people whose lives I absolutely did not want.
17points
#24
I relied too much on other people’s opinions.
17points
#25
I was lazy. I spent the better part of my early 20’s just chillin and having fun. That’s great and all, but I was also broke as hell 😂.
16points
#26
This comment will probably get buried but I wish I spent more time taking risks and expecting failure. I was pretty risk averse in my 20s but looking back, even if I did 2 years failing and learning and 2 years at my 20s job (vs 4 years at my 20s job), I likely would have wound up in around the same place as I am now give or take, likely no worse but also likely better and with more experience of what I do and more importantly do not enjoy.
16points
#27
Not getting into an exercise routine. Boy do I have terrible discipline.
16points
#28
Not telling more people off tbh.
16points
#29
Not getting away from my family I realized now they're all abusive and toxic and don't give a damn about anything but themselves. I should have left a long time ago what a waste of time.
14points
#30
That I got married so young to someone not suitable.
14points
#31
Instead of putting more money into my 401(K), I enjoyed the extra money every paycheck and blew it on “nicer” clothing and top shelf alcohol while my friends drank bottom shelf and wore the same jeans for years. At 43, my best friend’s 401k is double mine and I would give anything to go back and be more responsible.
13points
#33
The DUI for sure. Thankfully I was pulled over and no one was hurt. That was my rock bottom. But I learned and grew from that so much. Easily my biggest regret, but it was the biggest blessing for me.
13points
#34
Lifting with my back instead of my legs.
11points
#35
Not traveling more and embracing adventures outside my comfort zone.
11points
#36
Not spending enough time with my closest friends.
11points
#37
Focused on my career. Treated a lot of good women poorly. Avoided getting married. Continued this through my 30s. Now in my early 40s I care less about my career and more about being happy. Dating is absolutely horrible at this age. The good ones are taken.
10points
#38
Drinking too much.
10points
#40
Getting f-ing married to the biggest narcissist on the planet. I had very little experience and I fell for someone who took advantage of me. 20+ years later I’m alone bc he left me and I’m trying to start my life over.
10points