Almost three quarters of us do have regrets in our life – but they are not the regrets you might imagine, finds a new study. 
Five of the top regrets do relate to matters of the heart – such as getting wed too early and not playing the field. However the regret of not telling someone they loved them actually only ranks regret number 22.
A survey by Electric Zebra of 2000 people found the biggest regret was not saving more money. Second was not working harder at school, then by not exercising more. These were followed by not seeing enough of the world.
Although regrets are seen as a negative part of life, two thirds of those interviwed also believe they led then to act more positively and learn from mistakes.
The top 25 regrets are:
1. I wish I’d saved more money
2. I wish I’d worked harder at school
3. I should have exercised more
4. I regret not seeing more of the world
5. I wish I’d never started smoking
6. I wish I’d stayed in touch with people more
7. I regret not taking more care of my body when I was younger
8. I wish I’d appreciated an elderly relative more before they passed away
9. I wish I’d taken more photos of my experiences growing up
10. I wish I’d not got married so early
11. I think I rushed into a relationship
12. I wish I’d had a better education
13. I wish I hadn’t smoked to fit in
14. I wish I’d spent more time with my kids when they were young
15. I wish I’d got on the property ladder sooner
16. I regret not spending more time with my parents
17. I regret not being more committed to my goals
18. I think I got married too young
19. I wish I’d taken more photos of my kids when they were young
20. I wish I’d been a bit more promiscuous when I was younger
21. I wish I’d drunk less alcohol
22. I regret not telling someone I loved them
23. I wish I’d repaired a friendship
24. I wish I wasn’t so easily led when I was younger
25. I regret not taking a job I was offered
The research commissioned by Electric Zebra, a new type of electric cigarette that helps people quit smoking, points out that regrets over taking up the habit came in at number five.
Their medical advisor, Dr Sarah Brewer, said: “It’s significant that people list taking up smoking as one of their biggest regrets and that 16% are still looking for a way to quit or cut down.”
PR: Mars Webb for www.electriczebra.com
Are there any regrets you have that aren’t listed here? Let us know below…
