Your Mistakes Don't Define You, How You Act Afterwards Does | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Your Mistakes Don't Define You, How You Act Afterwards Does

The way that someone acts after the world learns of something they did wrong shows their true character.

118
Your Mistakes Don't Define You, How You Act Afterwards Does
Pexels

"We all make mistakes."

While some may say that this phrase has been used so much that it barely has any meaning anymore, I think we all still need to remember the purpose of it. It exists to remind us that we have no right to judge someone who has a moment of weakness because, whether we like to admit it or not, we've all been there. We've all told a secret that we shouldn't have, gotten caught in a lie or done something that was wrong. That doesn't mean we are all untrustworthy liars who can't do anything right.

Often, we feel like we have to try to fix the problems that our mistakes cause, even though there's usually nothing we can do. It's hard to figure out the best way to apologize or to make up for what you did, but how you choose to do this can make or break the way that others see you from now on.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to prioritize the feelings of those involved. Never, ever, make them feel like they are at fault for feeling a certain way. They have every right to be offended, angry or disappointed in you because of your actions.

Don't use the fact that you made a mistake as a way to get people to feel sorry for you. That's such a manipulative move. It's just plain annoying.

Doing good deeds to make up for the bad thing that you did is one of the best ways, in my opinion, to make up for your mistakes. Don't, however, broadcast the good that you're doing just to get attention.

Don't hate yourself for making a mistake -- there's no way to turn back time. All you can do is make an effort to make things right. However, you have to be careful how you do this. There are plenty of ways to make your apology seem less authentic than you intended.

Most importantly, know what to look for. The way that someone acts after the world learns of something they did wrong shows their true character. It shows whether they truly care about you, or whether the most important thing to them is their own image. There's no one way to tell what someone's character is like. All we can do is keep our eyes open.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

197118
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18986
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460986
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28364
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments