Looking back:Is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have stayed in Sydney in 1975 instead of thinking my then boyfriend wanted me to come back to the UK

Not much really, I can look back at 80 and honestly say I’ve had a blast. Of course it wasn’t perfect, who’s life is, and my regret is being persuaded to be a secretary because I couldn’t think what I wanted to do, and I loathed it although made some lifelong friends. I gave it up at the earliest opportunity when I had children. It’s only recently that I decided that I would loved to have been a precious gem dealer, something that has always fascinated me. A bit late now! Oh and turning down a VIP ticket for Live Aid as I wasn’t keen on crowds. I also wish I hadn’t been such a selfish teenager and had spent more time at the weekends with my lovely single mum.

Plenty……..

Been born to different parents ( but that isn't a choice is it?)

Absolutely.

boheminan

Strangely I asked a close friend this question this morning and her response was 'no'. I so regret I didn't carry on having a car and driving (I gave up 30 years ago) my life would have taken such a different turn to how I've ended up.

I gave up driving over 30 years ago too but I don't regret it at all, as I just hated it. My first driving instructor (of many) told me I wasn't a natural driver and shortly afterwards she shot herself. This seemed to me like a bad omen.

meant grand children

Cossy right back at ya, almost absolutely everything!

don't really regret much, I had great parents, not rich by any means,but great just the same. so glad I married the man I did, and still do, and so glad that I have the children and grand I have.

Don’t regret anything but there are a few things I would change. Married at 19 and still happy together so that was a good choice! Bringing up children and running our own business meant I do regret not having more time for our two boys because of working so hard and long hours. But we now have a great life style and they both have a good work ethic and are nice people so can’t have gone too far wrong!
Do think we should have split away from our family business and had the guts to go it alone but our lives are so happy now I can’t really regret this either too much.

I wish that I wasn't such a nit wit who knew everything , and listened to my elders .

Think i would change a lot! Not my parents, son or brother! Would not have gone to school the day an accident left me with disability later on. Would have said yes to the one I said no to, regretted that all my life! Wouldnt have had my son then so was I right or was I wrong? Would not have made the man I married ‘second best’ as no one deserves that! Many things since like the places I moved to when I was happier where I was but did as others wanted! Would not have believed someone who I thought was a friend! My life has not been all doom & gloom. There have been more good times than bad when thinking about it. I do have my lovely son who is the best in the world! I have a lovely daughter in law &2 wonderful Grandchildren. All that I would not change!

I wouldn't have married the man I'm with.

Yes, not had kids

The one thing I regret is having returned home to look after parents. Had one order sister, two order brothers all with children all well into teens early 20s, who didnt have any interest in what parents needed., I had 3 under 5. My life and DHs life was turned upside down. DH gave up loads of opportunity regardinv his career.Parents were grateful but I just had so much resentment for siblings and it's never left me. Two siblings now dead, remaining is such a masochist I can hard speak to him. Children all left after Uni to basically return to area they were born and we had left all those years ago. I have made it very clear no-one is to have any responsibility for care should I need any. I will have lived my life and they should continue with theirs.

I wish I had said "yes" more often than "no". I was always very cautious and unadventurous. I was very timid in my childhood and youth and I spent too long thinking about things rather than just diving in and embracing new experiences and opportunities. Nonetheless, looking back now in my 80s I realise that I have been fortunate to enjoy a happy and comfortable life with a loving husband and children. My only disappointment is not having had a career. I was a "housewife" and that was my designated occupation in the 1960s.

Yes, giving a lot of time,money and energy to the wrong people and ideas when younger.

And not really questioning the class and financial system. Settling for less.

But l feel contented in my old age despite not being in great health.

Happy Days
👍🤞😻
Xxx

I regret marrying at 20. I went from mum and dad's house to married life. I never had a chance to just be me. Never went on a holiday with friends. I dont regret who I married just that I missed on being independent.

I wouldn’t have got married at 25 years old.
Far too young. What was I thinking?

.

Too many to list and dwell on!!
.

I should have taken the opportunity to learn computers in the 70's when is was all new. This would've opened up the job market internationally for me. I only managed to learn computers in 2006.

I wish I'd worked for longer before starting a family. I've got four children and would probably only have had two, our life would have been financially much easier.

Allies agree with you. Being subservient is not the best way to live your life. I’m hoping things improve for today’s young women. This manosvere business is very worrying.

I would have loved more children but unfortunately I was not destined too.

You need a good partner to help get through the difficult times especially good health and rearing your family. I would love to have had a supportive OH but sadly too selfish and more about him than us.