9 Most Common Regrets of Seniors

We all have regrets in life, but there are some things that could haunt you for the rest of your life. It's easier to learn from other people's mistakes than to repeat them, which is why MSN.com decided to take a closer look at some of the most common regrets older people harbored. Based on the report, here are nine of those regrets:

1. Cheating. Cheating on a partner seems to be one of the most common regrets people share, according to psychologists from Cornell University.
2. Teenage rebellion. For many older people, rebellion in their teenage years seemed "cool," but later in life they regretted how badly they treated their parents.
3. Not visiting a dying relative. There are many reasons why a person may not make time to visit a dying relative, but not having the opportunity to have a final goodbye is something many older people have come to regret.
4. Not keeping a secret. It is not always easy to keep a secret, but breaking that promise not only destroys trust but can leave a person wracked with guilt that follows them into their old age.
5. Quitting school. When you are young, the idea of quitting school may be appealing, but many people later regret that they gave up their education and all the opportunities that would have come with it.
6. Not thinking seriously about their career. A common regret among older people is not choosing their career wisely. Switching careers is not easy, especially as you get older, and this notion often leaves people feeling stuck in their jobs.
7. Not traveling more. Dreams of traveling the world are often shelved when adult responsibilities arise, but this is something that older people tend to regret.
8. Working too much. Chances are, when you look back on your life, working too much is not something you will remember. It will be those special moments shared with friends and family — the ones you may have neglected when you were putting in extra time at the office.
9. Not sharing true feelings. Holding on to negative emotions like anger, resentment, and bitterness can make a person physically ill. It can also cause depression, anxiety and strain relationships. A common regret among older people is not speaking openly and honestly about their feelings.

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