A Therapist Shares 3 Things People Regret Most in Life

Do you have any regrets about your life?

What do people wish they could change about their lives? After a decade of helping clients heal from all kinds of struggles, a therapist has heard it all.

The regrets people share are both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Want to know the mistakes they wish they could undo?

Read on to discover the most common regrets from years of therapy sessions and learn how to avoid them in your own life.

3 Things People Regret Most in Life

1. Staying Too Long in Toxic Relationships

One of the biggest regrets clients express is wasting years with the wrong person. Many, especially those recovering from abusive relationships, feel they lost precious time trapped in unhealthy dynamics.

They couldn’t enjoy simple things, like wearing their favorite clothes or listening to music they loved, without fear of judgment or conflict. The constant stress robbed them of peace.

When they finally break free, they rediscover their freedom. But the years lost weigh heavily. They mourn missed opportunities, friendships, and the younger self who endured pain.

This regret teaches a vital lesson: staying in a toxic relationship can cost you time you’ll never get back.

2. Sacrificing Personal Goals

Another common regret is giving up dreams to support a partner. Some clients abandoned their careers or hobbies, believing it was part of love.

They poured energy or money into a partner’s projects, thinking it would strengthen the relationship. Too often, they later realized they sacrificed too much.

A healthy relationship encourages both partners to thrive. If you’re sidelining your goals to please someone else, you may regret it.

Clients often wish they had pursued their own ambitions. They missed career milestones, life events, or time with loved ones, all for a partner who didn’t value them.

3. Losing Connections and Moments

Regrets often extend beyond the relationship itself. Many clients lost touch with friends or family while trying to keep a partner happy.

They missed weddings, birthdays, or other big moments because their relationship demanded all their focus. These lost connections leave a deep ache.

A good partner supports your relationships and growth, not isolates you. If you’re shrinking to fit someone else’s needs, it’s a red flag.

Choosing the wrong partner can mean missing life’s most meaningful experiences, a regret that lingers long after the relationship ends.

Choosing Wisely Moving Forward

These regrets are painful, but they offer wisdom. The therapist encourages asking: Does this relationship make me feel free to be myself?

Does my partner support my dreams? If the answer is no, it may be time to walk away.

By learning from these regrets, you can protect your time, goals, and connections. Relationships should add joy, not take it away.

Make choices that let you live fully, without looking back in regret.

You might also want to read: “I’ve Watched 2,000 People Die” – Doctor Shares What They Said in Their Final Moments