87 Regret Quotes That Will Help You Let Go Of The Past

Regret

What's the one thing you regret most in life that you wish you had done absolutely differently? Well, whatever it is, you are not alone. We all have a moment we wish we could redo in life. We have words we wish we had said differently and things we wish we had done differently.

No one is perfect and mistakes are part of us. We tend to do and say what we feel is right for us and those we care deeply for. Sometimes we'll do things for the good of those closest to us.

And that's how we find ourselves making mistakes and creating regrets. Some mistakes are so silly that we realize just how stupid they are afterward. Other mistakes are not even intentional. You will do them thinking they are for the best. And that's okay.

It's okay to trip and make mistakes because that's how you learn. That's how you look back and see where you went wrong and clearly see a better way that you could have done things for a better outcome.

At times you may end up beating yourself repeatedly for a mistake you did a while ago. It could even be something you said months or years ago. Remember, you are human. What you did or said could have been hurtful to someone else, but if you owned up for it, that was enough.

Always own your mistakes, apologize for them, forgive yourself, and move on. This helps you cope better with regrets. When the feeling of regret crops up later on, you are able to tell yourself that you were already sorry for that and you moved on.

Don't allow yourself to keep reliving a past that gives you a bitter taste in your mouth through regrets. These regret quotes show you just that!

Regret Quotes

Regrets and mistakes help us identify areas of growth. They are not meant to be dwelled on. Do not let them undermine your potential.

Regrets and mistakes help us identify areas of growth. They are not meant to be dwelled on. Do not let them undermine your potential.

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Why did it have to turn out this way?! I thought that coming here would make Kisa HAPPY... That's why. But then I go and make her cry. I'm so stupid. I really AM losing points. I'm a no-good, hopeless little brat, brat, brat... I haven't grown up at all. Whenever I'm faced with something I don't like... I take it out on other people.

Why did it have to turn out this way?! I thought that coming here would make Kisa HAPPY… That’s why. But then I go and make her cry. I’m so stupid. I really AM losing points. I’m a no-good, hopeless little brat, brat, brat… I haven’t grown up at all. Whenever I’m faced with something I don’t like… I take it out on other people.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything happens

Life is short and precious and we never know what is around the corner. So you live for now, seize every moment that comes your way and if you're going to look back on your life with regret, it's easier to regret the things that you did do, rather than the things you didn't.

Life is short and precious and we never know what is around the corner. So you live for now, seize every moment that comes your

Many times, the decisions we make affect and hurt your closest friends and family the most. I have a lot of regrets in that regard. But God has forgiven me, which I am very thankful for. It has enabled me to forgive myself and move forward one day at a time.

Many times, the decisions we make affect and hurt your closest friends and family the most. I have a lot of regrets in that regard.

Don’t bring heavy regrets with you as you journey forward. Forgive people and let them be. Forgive places and simply leave. Free yourself, let things go.

Don’t bring heavy regrets with you as you journey forward. Forgive people and let them be. Forgive places and simply leave. Free yourself, let things

I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.

I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build

No more regrets, No more tears, No more broken hearts, No more fears, l'm starting over even if that means from here.

No more regrets, No more tears, No more broken hearts, No more fears, l’m starting over even if that means from here.

C'mon Pudge. I'm teasing. You have to be tough. I didn't know how bad it was -- and I'm sorry, and they'll regret it -- but you have to be tough.

C’mon Pudge. I’m teasing. You have to be tough. I didn’t know how bad it was — and I’m sorry, and they’ll regret it — but you have to be tough.

We are like roses that have never bothered to bloom when we should have bloomed and it is as if the sun has become disgusted with waiting.

We are like roses that have never bothered to bloom when we should have bloomed and it is as if the sun has become disgusted with waiting.

It was the next day. I had cancelled my appointment to speak before the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. It was raining. The ceiling leaked. The rain dripped down through the ceiling and went “spat, spat, spat, a spat a spat, spat, spat, spat, a spat, spat, spat, a spat, a spat, a spat, spat, spat, spat…” The sake kept me warm. But a warm what? A warm zero. Here I was 55 years old and I didn’t have a pot to catch rain in. My father had warned me that I would end up diddling myself on some stranger’s back porch in Arkansas. And I still had time to make it.

It was the next day. I had cancelled my appointment to speak before the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. It was raining. The ceiling leaked. The rain dripped down through the ceiling and went “spat, spat, spat, a spat a spat, spat, spat, spat, a spat, spat, spat, a spat, a spat, a spat, spat, spat, spat…” The sake kept me warm. But a warm what? A warm zero. Here I was 55 years old and I didn’t have a pot to catch rain in. My father had warned me that I would end up diddling myself on some stranger’s back porch in Arkansas. And I still had time to make it.

I suppose that at last like the average man: I’ve known too many women and instead of thinking, I wonder who’s fucking her now? I think she’s giving some other poor son of a bitch much trouble right now.

I suppose that at last like the average man: I’ve known too many women and instead of thinking, I wonder who’s fucking her now? I

Snape's Patronus was a doe, the same as my mother's, because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from the time when they were children. You should have realized, he asked you to spare her life, didn't he?

Snape’s Patronus was a doe, the same as my mother’s, because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from the time when they were children. You should have realized, he asked you to spare her life, didn’t he?

He gets hurt by the smallest touch. It'll be okay, as long as there will finally be a day. Eventually, one day. It will be good if all our burdens would finally be released. I really hope you can do it. I hope you two can both live happily.

He gets hurt by the smallest touch. It’ll be okay, as long as there will finally be a day. Eventually, one day. It will be good if all our burdens would finally be released. I really hope you can do it. I hope you two can both live happily.

Losing a grasp in reality or being misunderstood, being lonely always rises from isolation, dark, and frightening nights. They are scary and full of deep loneliness. The thing is, it becomes so hard to survive the night lying in the bed awake and serving the up-time like a nice warm glass of regret.

Losing a grasp in reality or being misunderstood, being lonely always rises from isolation, dark, and frightening nights. They are scary and full of deep

My brain at 3 AM: I can see you’re trying to sleep, so I would like to offer you a selection of every memory, unresolved issue, or things you should have said or done today as well as in the past 10 years.

My brain at 3 AM:
I can see you’re trying to sleep, so I would like to offer you a selection of every memory, unresolved issue, or things you should have said or done today as well as in the past 10 years.

Shigure Sohma: Lemme guess; you lost your temper and yelled at her again, right? You know, you shouldn't do that if you're just going to regret it. Not too bright, now is it? Kyo Sohma: Save your breath. I'm just not meant to get along with other people. Period. End of story. Shigure Sohma: Oh, sure. Some people just aren't, but you're not one of them. You lack experience, that's all.

Shigure Sohma: Lemme guess; you lost your temper and yelled at her again, right? You know, you shouldn’t do that if you’re just going to

Saki Hanajima: I know why you have come: clearly you’re here to ask for my sister’s hand in marriage. Kyo Sohma: WHAT?! NO WAY! I’m not! Are you crazy? Classmate: Well sir, you did come here to find a wife, so she’s not wrong! Tohru Honda: Um.. sister? Kyo Sohma: Uh-wait! No! That’s not why I’m here! Seriously! Saki Hanajima: Then… you came for me? How awful. Kyo Sohma: Hey, it’s not like I’m happy about it either! Saki Hanajima: Well Prince, what is it that you want? Kyo Sohma: Why not just tell me what the hell you want? Saki Hanajima: Someday, will you admit the truth? Or will you keep deceiving yourself forever? Will you stay as you are: locked away in your palace alone and isolated until the day you die? Kyo Sohma: So what if I do? It’s not like it hurts anyone else but me. Why does it matter if I choose to– Tohru Honda: NO PLEASE! I don’t want that!! I–I…. OH my, I’m so sorry for interrupting. Please forget I said anything. I–I don’t know what I’m talking about! Ignore me and just continue on with the story!

Saki Hanajima: I know why you have come: clearly you’re here to ask for my sister’s hand in marriage.
Kyo Sohma: WHAT?! NO WAY! I’m not!

I am so, so sorry. I can't seem to go anywhere without causing problems for everyone around me. I'm just a born troublemaker, I suppose. It's true. I'm so worthless I can't carry a paper bag. I don't deserve to share the same air with the rest of the human race. I'm a blemish on the face of the world. What was I thinking? A low-life like me should never have come to visit Shigure.

I am so, so sorry. I can’t seem to go anywhere without causing problems for everyone around me. I’m just a born troublemaker, I suppose.

I remember the day of the accident. One of the teachers came and called her out of class. They talked at the door for a minute and then they ran out. Her two friends went running after her. For a little while, everyone in class was silent. I remember thinking at the time maybe someone in her family's been hurt, but it was just a passing thought. Back then I barely even realized she existed. She was just one of the girls in class, the one called Tohru Honda. How could I have known that one day we'd be living in the same house, that we'd get to know one another like we have?

I remember the day of the accident. One of the teachers came and called her out of class. They talked at the door for a

Shigure Sohma: There, isn't that better? Yuki's still looking for some ice, if you want it. Tohru Honda: I'm sorry. Shigure Sohma: You must be tired. It's a lot to happen in one day. Tohru Honda: Mm-hm. I... I lost my home again. Shigure Sohma: Are you ok? Tohru Honda: Yes. It's sad... but... not as sad as other things. Shigure Sohma: Like what? Tohru Honda: Like... not telling mom "be safe" on the day she died. I said that every morning: "bye! be safe!"... except that day, I didn't say it. I had a test. So I stayed up studying almost the whole night. And when it was time for mom to go to work, I didn't wake up. I couldn't tell her "be safe". And she never came home. I used to think about quitting school. Working. Mom told me she didn't finish school... but she always wished that she did. Kyoko Honda: That's why I need you to stick with it, so you can tell me what it feels like to hold that diploma in your hand. And then, maybe, you can have the life I never got to have. Tohru Honda: When she said that, that's when I knew. Why she worked so hard. It was all for me. And with everything she did... I couldn't even get up long enough to say "goodbye" as she was walking out the door. Not even that one little thing... and then she was gone. So now, I have to finish high school like mom wanted me to no matter what. I have to hold that diploma in my hand. I have to... for her. I can't give up... just because... of a fever... like this.

Shigure Sohma: There, isn’t that better? Yuki’s still looking for some ice, if you want it.
Tohru Honda: I’m sorry.
Shigure Sohma: You must be tired. It’s

I won't be seeing Arisa. Because from now on I will continue to be by Akito's side. Only twice... It was only twice that I had met Arisa and talked with her. It was a tiny... Trivial encounter. If it ends now, without my seeing her, it will be just a trivial memory and someday it will fade into nothing.

I won’t be seeing Arisa. Because from now on I will continue to be by Akito’s side. Only twice… It was only twice that I

Just like I'm... Hiding feelings... In my heart. That's right. I'm sure... She is, too. Feelings she hasn't shared with anyone... In the bottom of her heart. I guess it's too late to think about it now...

Just like I’m… Hiding feelings… In my heart. That’s right. I’m sure… She is, too. Feelings she hasn’t shared with anyone… In the bottom of

I was cruel... Insensitive to your pain. The first and only time you came to me for help, you reached out to me with those trembling hands. And I just brushed you off. It's not as if I've forgotten.

I was cruel… Insensitive to your pain. The first and only time you came to me for help, you reached out to me with those

It's such a waste. It's such a waste our parents... Go on living without realizing... That Yuki really is a good kid.

It’s such a waste. It’s such a waste our parents… Go on living without realizing… That Yuki really is a good kid.

I wish... That I could say... That I was better than that. But I too... Would have sold you... In exchange for satisfying my own indulgence. And there were MANY indulgences. I hurt many people... TRAMPLED them... ABANDONED them. I was so foolish. I'm not sad. I'm downright PATHETIC.

I wish… That I could say… That I was better than that. But I too… Would have sold you… In exchange for satisfying my own

We can't go back to the way things were. The feelings of guilt and shame won't dissapear. They'd spread like a cancer. Eating away at the light and the joy that Kana once brought me.

We can’t go back to the way things were. The feelings of guilt and shame won’t dissapear. They’d spread like a cancer. Eating away at

It's over between Kana and me. We're not going to get back together. Even if we were together, I would only miss her...

It’s over between Kana and me. We’re not going to get back together. Even if we were together, I would only miss her…

The two of them found their own happiness... And you're still all alone with only your unspoken feelings towards Hatori left to keep you company. Doesn't that make you feel lonely?

The two of them found their own happiness… And you’re still all alone with only your unspoken feelings towards Hatori left to keep you company.

Howl : This war is terrible, they bomb from the southern coast to the northern border. It's all in flames now. Calcifer : I can't stand the fire and gunpowder. Those dopey guys have absolutely no manners. Howl : My own kind attacked me today. Calcifer : Who? The Witch of the Wastes? Howl : No, some hack wizards who turned themselves into monsters for the king. Calcifer : Those wizards are going to regret doing that. They'll never change back into humans. Howl : After the war, they won't recall they ever were human.

Howl : This war is terrible, they bomb from the southern coast to the northern border. It’s all in flames now.
Calcifer : I can’t stand

Three o’clock — anxiety, regret in the depths of worry swept away in the whirlwind of nothing — a horrible nothing.

Three o’clock —
anxiety, regret
in the depths of worry
swept away in the
whirlwind of nothing —
a horrible nothing.

I don't have very many regrets, not because I lived a perfect life but because life is a bunch of rolling hills, not mountains, or speed bumps instead of stop signs, and so you come to a situation and it's neither good or bad, it just is, and what it means to you is what's your take on it. But the second part of the equation is what are you going to do about it. A lot of times I'm completely wrong, but all you do is back up and start over.

I don’t have very many regrets, not because I lived a perfect life but because life is a bunch of rolling hills, not mountains, or speed bumps instead of stop signs, and so you come to a situation and it’s neither good or bad, it just is, and what it means to you is what’s your take on it. But the second part of the equation is what are you going to do about it. A lot of times I’m completely wrong, but all you do is back up and start over.

Brian: What I did to you was wrong. I'm sorry, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Mia: I'm sorry too, Brian. I'm so sorry that you had to come into my home and pretend to love me. I'm so sorry you ripped my family apart. I'm very sorry that that was hard for you.

Brian: What I did to you was wrong. I’m sorry, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do.
Mia: I’m sorry too, Brian. I’m so sorry that you had to come into my home and pretend to love me. I’m so sorry you ripped my family apart. I’m very sorry that that was hard for you.

There are worse things than being alone but it often takes decades to realize this and most often when you do it's too late and there's nothing worse than too late.

There are worse things
than being alone
but it often takes
decades to realize this
and most often when you do
it’s too late
and there’s nothing worse
than too late.

she is no longer the beautiful woman she was. she sends photos of herself sitting upon a rock by the ocean alone and damned. I could have had her once. I wonder if she thinks I could have saved her?

she is no longer
the beautiful woman
she was. she sends
photos of herself
sitting upon a rock
by the ocean
alone and damned.
I could have had
her once. I wonder
if she thinks I
could have
saved her?

Generally, I decided, it was better to wait, if you had any feeling for the individual. If you hated her right off, it was better to fuck her right off; if you didn't, it was better to wait, then fuck her and hate her later on.

Generally, I decided, it was better to wait, if you had any feeling for the individual. If you hated her right off, it was better to fuck her right off; if you didn’t, it was better to wait, then fuck her and hate her later on.

If only we’d been born into a kind world...without anxiety...without fear. If we could live without hurting other people...and without being hurt. A world in which we always did what was right. If only we could have found a shortcut to the kind world we all hope for.

If only we’d been born into a kind world…without anxiety…without fear. If we could live without hurting other people…and without being hurt. A world in which we always did what was right. If only we could have found a shortcut to the kind world we all hope for.

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

My idea about the whole thing was that most people weren’t alcoholics, they only thought that they were. It was something that couldn’t be rushed. It took at least twenty years to become a bonafide alcoholic. I was on my 45th year and didn’t regret any of it.

My idea about the whole thing was that most people weren’t alcoholics, they only thought that they were. It was something that couldn’t be rushed. It took at least twenty years to become a bonafide alcoholic. I was on my 45th year and didn’t regret any of it.

I recommend you leave that house and have nothing more to do with the Sohma family. Shigure being who he is, I’m sure he left you in the dark. You see, the Sohma family continues to be possessed by vengeful spirits. We’re not the jolly bunch you probably imagine. We are bizarre, devious, and cursed. Before you regret getting involved with this family, get out now. Akito is attempting to use you.

I recommend you leave that house and have nothing more to do with the Sohma family. Shigure being who he is, I’m sure he left you in the dark. You see, the Sohma family continues to be possessed by vengeful spirits. We’re not the jolly bunch you probably imagine. We are bizarre, devious, and cursed. Before you regret getting involved with this family, get out now. Akito is attempting to use you.

That day… I watched Tohru pick up my scattered beads. I couldn’t find any words to say. Among other things, they were proof of the monster I’d been. I thought I wouldn’t have minded just leaving them to rot. But at the same time… I had this feeling that someday down the line, I might regret not picking them up. Even so, I couldn’t move. So, she picked ‘em up instead. It felt like she was protecting both the present and future me. Or maybe… it was even more than that. Maybe she wanted to protect something bigger. Maybe she was trying to save all those feelings from far away… of every poor soul who had to wear a string of prayer beads just so they could live their lives.

That day… I watched Tohru pick up my scattered beads. I couldn’t find any words to say. Among other things, they were proof of the monster I’d been. I thought I wouldn’t have minded just leaving them to rot. But at the same time… I had this feeling that someday down the line, I might regret not picking them up. Even so, I couldn’t move. So, she picked ‘em up instead. It felt like she was protecting both the present and future me. Or maybe… it was even more than that. Maybe she wanted to protect something bigger. Maybe she was trying to save all those feelings from far away… of every poor soul who had to wear a string of prayer beads just so they could live their lives.

There are worse things than having behaved foolishly in public. There are worse things than these miniature betrayals, committed or endured or suspected; there are worse things than not being able to sleep for thinking about them. It is 5 a.m. All the worse things come stalking in and stand icily about the bed looking worse and worse and worse.

There are worse things than having behaved foolishly in public. There are worse things than these miniature betrayals, committed or endured or suspected; there are worse things than not being able to sleep for thinking about them. It is 5 a.m. All the worse things come stalking in and stand icily about the bed looking worse and worse and worse.

I’ve got a bad case of the 3:00 am guilts – you know, when you lie in bed awake and replay all those things you didn’t do right? Because, as we all know, nothing solves insomnia like a nice warm glass of regret, depression and self-loathing.

I’ve got a bad case of the 3:00 am guilts – you know, when you lie in bed awake and replay all those things you didn’t do right? Because, as we all know, nothing solves insomnia like a nice warm glass of regret, depression and self-loathing.

Patience takes away lots of stress, regrets, & sleepless nights knowing that all is well at the end of the day if we just wait a little bit.

Patience takes away lots of stress, regrets, & sleepless nights knowing that all is well at the end of the day if we just wait a little bit.

I lay awake for a long time. It was like sitting in a cinema after the lights go down, waiting for the previews to begin. But nothing was happening. I regretted the coffee.

I lay awake for a long time. It was like sitting in a cinema after the lights go down, waiting for the previews to begin. But nothing was happening. I regretted the coffee.

While it is tempting to play it safe, the more we’re willing to risk, the more alive we are. In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took.

While it is tempting to play it safe, the more we’re willing to risk, the more alive we are. In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took.

About the contents of this page

Amra conducted research on the quotes with the assistance of Annabele.

Maggie organized the quotes into topics.

Charity wrote the introduction copy.

Schenley designed exclusive images for the quotes.

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