regret

Regret is an emotional response experienced when someone reflects on a past decision or action and wishes they had chosen differently. It involves a sense of disappointment or sorrow about the outcome, often accompanied by what-ifs or thoughts of better alternatives. Regret can motivate learning and future improvements, but it can also cause distress if prolonged. Essentially, it's a natural feeling that highlights our capacity for self-awareness and the desire to make better choices moving forward.