Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

I just turned 65. Which means I now qualify for senior discounts, mammogram reminders in a slightly larger font, and (if society has its way) an invisibility cloak for women of my age. But I’m not wearing it. Nor buying into society’s ageist nonsense.

The truth is: I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.

After all, I’ve learned a lot from six and a half decades. Sure, I’ve got regrets. But sometimes regret is just a breadcrumb trail to a better, happier life.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to share a curated list of 65 of my regrets. But this list isn’t about shame. It’s about pride in my growth. It’s about holding up each regret boldly to the light and saying: “Thank you for all you taught me!”

Read on and let me know in the comments if you find any of your own regrets hiding in my list. 

65 Regrets from my 65 Years of Life… So Far 

1. I regret pretending to like jazz for that man who didn’t like women. 
2. I regret shaving my arms in eighth grade because someone said they looked “like a boy’s.”
3. I regret saying “yes” when what I really meant was, “I’m afraid if I say no, you’ll stop loving me.”
4. I regret ironing. Every time.
5. I regret buying “nude” lipstick that looked like I’d just crawled out of the grave.
6. I regret spending entire relationships explaining myself. What was I? A user manual?
7. I regret not asking for my grandmother’s recipe. And not writing down the story she told while she stirred the sauce.
8. I regret not yelling “I’m not done yet” at least once in a boardroom while I worked in advertising.
9. I regret laughing at jokes that hurt me, because I wanted to be the kind of woman who “could take it.”
10. I regret not keeping the pink cashmere sweater with the hole in the sleeve. It fit my heart perfectly.
11. I regret not laughing during sex more often. It was funny at times. It really was.
12. I regret thinking I needed to fix people. I can’t even fix the ice maker in my freezer.
13. I regret the dinner parties where I smiled too much and chewed too little. Yes, people smiled back. But I often left starving.
14. I regret trying to “find myself” in overpriced retreats instead of low-lit diners with friends.
15. I regret wasting time trying to understand people who clearly didn’t understand themselves.
16. I regret every moment I mistook numbness for peace.
17. I regret never buying that antique chair I saw in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It was completely impractical. Like joy.
18. I regret deleting the photos where I didn’t look pretty. Those were often the days I laughed the hardest.
19. I regret thinking “strong” meant “silent.”
20. I regret mistaking self-deprecation for humility.
21. I regret trying to “look effortless.” It took so much effort.
22. I regret all the times I mistook urgency for love. (Ditto on mistaking endurance for love.)
23. I regret not taking better notes when I was happiest.
24. I regret the time I gave a second chance to that man who barely deserved the first.
25. I regret not keeping a notebook titled: “Things That Didn’t Go as Planned But Ended Up Being Better.”
26. I regret deleting my angry emails. They were badly punctuated but emotionally correct. I’d love to reread them now.
27. I regret the plants I overwatered and the men I under-loved.
28. I regret not whispering to more people: “This is hard, right? Just being alive like this?”
29. I regret every time I didn’t order fries because someone was watching.
30. I regret how long it took to realize that saying “I’m tired” often meant “I’m sad.”
31. I regret not telling her I knew she was lying. I would’ve lost our friendship either way.
32. I regret how many apologies I began with “I know this sounds crazy, but…”
33. I regret not asking what kind of music my dad liked when he was seventeen.
34. I regret thinking I needed a flat stomach to be taken seriously. Like yes, this is my résumé, but how many crunches have I done?
35. I regret not speaking up to that one woman at work who said, “You’re so brave for not wearing makeup.”
36. I regret not loving people the way they wanted, because I was too busy loving them the way I wanted.
37. I regret eating too many salads I didn’t like with too many men I didn’t like.
38. I regret not realizing sooner that “being low-maintenance” was code for “Please don’t need anything.”
39. I regret thinking I had to be grateful for crumbs. When I could’ve just baked my own damn cake.
40. I regret not celebrating more tiny wins.
41. I regret confusing people-pleasing with kindness.
42. I regret burying my sadness under busy schedules and to-do lists, until it came back louder, angrier, and harder to ignore.
43. I regret not asking more questions at the doctor’s office. And not firing the ones who didn’t take me seriously.
44. I regret outsourcing my intuition to experts, books, and well-meaning strangers.
45. I regret the years I thought thinness was a prerequisite for joy. (Thinness never bought happiness. It just bought pants that didn’t fit the next year.)
46. I regret trying to be useful when what I really wanted was to be loved.
47. I regret saying “I’m fine” so often I started gaslighting myself.
48. I regret all the shoes I bought that doubled as medieval torture devices.
49. I regret not buying the inflatable T-Rex costume when it was on sale. That version of me was clearly trying to live.
50. I regret not screenshotting more compliments and fewer dumb arguments. 
51. I regret all the meals I ate quickly, standing up, with the TV on.
52. I regret not charging more. For my time. My work. My presence. My emotional labor. (Looking at you, guy I dated in my 30s.)
53. I regret giving up on hobbies because I wasn’t instantly amazing at them.
54. I regret spending 40+ years trying to be chosen, when I should’ve been just choosing myself. 
55. I regret waiting until rock bottom to finally admit I needed help. (Turns out, you can ask for directions before you’re lost.) 
56. I regret giving away the green mixing bowl that still smelled faintly of garlic no matter how many times I washed it.
57. I regret not learning how to take a compliment without treating it like a hot potato made of lies.
58. I regret spending two decades trying to be “the cool, thin girl” when in fact all I was being was hungry for food and validation while wearing overpriced designer clothes.
59. I regret not saying “I don’t want to” more often. It’s a complete sentence. And wildly satisfying.
60. I regret every time I Googled a symptom and convinced myself I had six hours to live. 
61. I regret confusing “he’s busy” with “he doesn’t give a shit.” 
62. I regret not wearing more hats. Like, literal hats. And possibly metaphorical ones. But mostly fedoras.
63. I regret thinking I had to become someone to be loved. I always was someone.
64. I regret how long it took to realize that “difficult” women are simply just honest women.
65. I regret waiting until 65 to truly like myself. But hey… what a nice surprise.

So, those are my 65 regrets at age 65. And I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Because they led me to who I am today.

Oh… and… for more reflections on regret, joy, aging, living a meaningful life, you can find me at YourToDieForLife.com

Now It’s Your Turn:  

What’s one regret (or more) you carry? Drop it in the comments. You never know… naming it might be the first step toward forgiving it.

Photo: @HeatherDubrow

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Originally posted at: Gretchen Rossi’s Pink Satin Cargo Pants

Who’s feuding now?

Tired of rubbing shoulders just to get a view in world-famous destinations like Venice and Rome? Places overrun by crowds can ruin your dream vacation. Fortunately, plenty of lesser-known European destinations are just as intriguing. Seniors seeking less stressful vacation experiences will appreciate the opportunity for a deeper, more intimate connection with these unique travel spots. From Abruzzo to the Faroe Islands, here are the jaw-dropping European holiday hotspots to visit without crowds.

Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo is dubbed the “Green Heart of Europe” for a reason. Much of it is mountainous and hilly, with endless opportunities to connect with nature. It has three national parks, an exceptional Regional Park, and multiple nature reserves. Whether you experience the diverse outdoor offerings at Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park or venture into the surreal beauty of Lago di Scanno, you’ll have a great time.

Not into the outdoor lifestyle? Sample the local wines in hotspots like Cantina Mazzarosa Devincenzi. If you are a history buff, don’t miss strolling through the charming villages of Pacentro and Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo is an unsung region of Portugal, but its vast, diverse landscapes and endless offerings make it a unique vacation spot. It covers a third of the country, uniquely blending old-world charm, delicious food, wine, and nature. Strolling through the region’s iconic towns and cities, every corner brings a piece of history to life, preserves a unique tradition, has exceptional artisans, and a warm and welcoming local ready to show you around. This place is magical.

Try the local cuisine, particularly the coastal specialties, like the “caldeiradas” and “cataplanas.” These seafood delights are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including the delicious olive oil. Add the Rota dos vinhos do Alentejo (Alentejo Wine Route) to your bucket list if you love wine. Most importantly, connect with nature in places like Serra de São Mamede Natural Park and Sado Estuary Nature Reserve.

Paxos, Greece

Greece boasts some of the world’s most stunning islands, and Paxos is probably the most authentic. Nearly blanketed in olive groves entirely, it uniquely blends tranquility, raw, untouched beauty, and traditional hospitality. An adventurous senior traveler who enjoys stress-free nature destinations will absolutely love it here.

Think pebbly beaches, wild caves, olive groves, and uncrowded trails. The 15-minute hike at Tripitos Arch, which meanders along narrow rocky routes and rewards with magical views of the sea and Tripitos, should be on your to-do list. If you are interested in the history of the place, the Paxos Museum is the perfect spot to get an insight.

Extend your trip to the charming neighboring island, Antipaxos, where you can enjoy a peaceful escape with numerous crowd-free experiences, from relaxed nature walks to water adventures.

Extremadura, Spain

Some of Spain’s most impressive Roman ruins are in the Extremadura region. So, while it’s not on many vacationers’ radar, it’s among the most jaw-dropping European holiday hotspots to visit without crowds.

Merida, once the capital of Lusitania, an ancient Roman province, boasts a collection of well-preserved theaters, including an amphitheater. It’s also home to Puente Romano, the world’s longest Roman bridge, which dates back to 25 B.C., yet it remains in perfect shape. Plenty of ruins celebrate the legacy of Rome, making this region a unique getaway worth ditching the popular spots for.

Beyond Roman ruins, Extremadura presents many opportunities to get lost in nature. It features expansive farmland areas covered in mature oak and cork groves with plenty of outdoor experiences. Plus, if you love the world-famous Game of Thrones, you’ll be happy to tour Caceres, where some scenes from the series (Season 7, to be specific) were filmed.

Aude, France

If you are only paying attention to the world-famous attractions like the Seine, which was recently reopened for swimming, you are missing out on unique travel spots like Aude. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed holiday in a scenic landscape. The department’s countryside is vibrant and diverse, uniquely blending vineyards, lush forests, and Mediterranean coastlines.

Beaches like Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan-Plage shouldn’t be missed on your bucket list. If you love castles, Peyrepertuse Castle and Chateau de Termes are some of the top options.

Kalopanayiotis, Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis is among the picturesque villages of the Marathasa, Cyprus’ most mountainous area. One of the things it’s best known for is its therapeutic ancient thermal springs, which are a must-visit if you are going for a wellness travel experience. Enjoy world-class treatments at the Casale Panayiotis, whose award-winning spa awaits with a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, iconic treatment rooms, and more.

The town’s authentic charm is also reflected in the cobbled streets. Strolling down these streets immerses you in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this village and its surroundings. Kalopanayiotis is also worth visiting for its Byzantine monasteries, including the Saint John Lampadistis, which is considered the most impressive of all the Byzantine sites in the country.

For nature lovers, there are many scenic hiking trails within the Troodos Mountains. Don’t miss walking over the Kalopanagiotis Medieval Bridge, which is incredibly photogenic.

Bozburun Peninsula, Turkey

Turkey is worth visiting for many reasons beyond the famous Istanbul and Cappadocia. The Bozburun Peninsula is one of the lesser-known European destinations that is very much worth your time. Its undeniable mix of surreal beauty, diverse outdoor experiences, and tranquility makes it an ideal getaway.

The hidden paradise is a treasure trove of beautiful coves, picture-perfect villages, and endless stunning vistas. Bozburun town and its harbor are the heart of the peninsula. There are so many things going on, from artisans crafting unique pieces to delicious, authentic cuisine, and more.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago between Iceland and Norway. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a portion of the Kingdom of Denmark, but self-governing, and it boasts a distinct culture. The 17 inhabited islands are unbelievably beautiful and should be among the best European destinations.

With magical cascades, ‘floating’ lakes, majestic peaks, and towering cliffs, adventure through the islands will leave your jaw dropping. If birdwatching is your thing, you can enjoy an up-close encounter with migratory and resident puffins by taking a boat tour.

One of the best parts of exploring the Faroe Islands is seeing their traditional houses. These turf-roofed dwellings, which look straight out of a fairytale, will definitely leave you wanting to revisit this remote place. Another thing you’ll love about the Faroe Islands is its thriving music scene, and its numerous vibrant festivals attract thousands of attendees every summer. The delicious cuisine, with some cooking techniques dating to the Viking era, will have your mind blown.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which of the lesser-known European destinations have you visited? How was your experience? Any other place you’d recommend? Please share your thoughts with us.

We’re hooked.