After it goes wrong
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you feel like a creep after an advance, leave it alone rather than trying to fix the situation or repeatedly apologizing.
Guilt-driven attempts to fix things are likely to make the situation worse.
one person who lived it
Spend time alone doing things by yourself to discover what makes you happy independently.
If a new person adds to that happiness, it says something positive; if they don't, it says something too.
one person who lived it
Read books or listen to podcasts about infidelity and relationships to gain perspective.
Resources like Esther Perel's 'The State of Affairs' or the 'You Need Therapy' podcast can help focus thoughts and move past regret.
one person who lived it
Commit to a superior trajectory and pledge that you will not repeat this error.
3 people, independently
Define success as being yourself and striving for happiness rather than financial or professional achievement.
Chasing financial success may only lead you back to the same problematic position.
one person who lived it
Stop punishing yourself for past mistakes; accept that you cannot change what happened, learn from it, and live honestly so the past does not follow you.
2 people, independently
Treat personal growth as the path itself rather than a destination you arrive at.
one person who lived it
Acknowledge your mistakes as part of becoming a better person.
Regret indicates that you are unlikely to repeat the behavior.
one person who lived it
Treat yourself with kindness and patience, acknowledging that recovery takes time.
3 people, independently