In retrospect, what wasn't worth the stress?

[RegretMeNot]

Looking back on your younger years, what did you worry about/put too much emphasis on that, in hindsight, wasn't that important?

Ironing.
That’s it.
The ironing pile.
Why? Why did I ever iron?

Breaking up with my first serious partner. I always thought it would be the end of the world if we broke up and I was convinced I would be heartbroken forever. When we eventually did break up I was sad but nowhere near as devastated as I thought I'd be. I barely even think about him at all now.

Foreign holidays from Manchester Airport. It's a truly awfully stressful experience from car park to check in, then especially security, right through to the lounges. I've been through dozens of airports and Manchester really is the pits - no other is anywhere near as bad as regards poor planning, stupidly long queues, etc. I happy travel further to other UK airports to avoid the hell hole.

Wedding cake
Wedding flowers
Trying to please certain people, including close family / friends.

Having friends

@Sideorderofchips

Having friends

That's so sad and just not true. You've just not found the right friends yet.

@ssd

Meeting someone special

This. I spent about twenty years trying. And the search made me so unhappy.

I've been so much happier since I gave up. Being single is so much better than looking for somebody and they are different!!

@tiramisualwaystiramisu I'm laughing because I was the same, 5'1'' and I used to give this a lot of thought! why! It didn't change anything. It didn't make me taller. I think in my own way it was a way of apologising for being short before anybdy could judge me for being short. Sort of getting in there first, flagellating myself for being short in the hope that nobody would hold it against me.

I am 50 now and so rarely give being short any thought.

Thank God!

Agree about swimming lessons for babies. Baby hated it, I hated it. We eventually gave up. She swims like a fish now.

Parents / relatives approval

Cleaning, it's never worth that stress of dashing about when you have visitors coming.

I have to remind myself of this every single time someone wants to pop over.

So for me lockdown has been a revelation of how bloody stressed I do get.

I blame my parents!! I do try and break the habit but it's so hard and I wish I didn't stress or care so much, but I can see it for the waste of time it is.

Men. Being a homeowner. Appearance. Avoiding confrontation.

I no longer date, I see money paid for a roof over my head as money well spent, I don't fret over whiteness of teeth or how tanned my skin is, am a good advocate for myself.