We all have moments where we question our actions and feel guilty for things that, in reality, are completely normal.
Being human means making mistakes, having emotions, and sometimes putting yourself first. You won’t always get it right, but no one does, and that’s all part of the journey. In other words, don’t beat yourself up too much if you’re guilty of any of these behaviours — you can still be (and likely are!) a good person despite them!
1. Saying no to things you don’t want to do
Refusing plans or requests doesn’t make you selfish; it means you respect your own boundaries. Whether you’re declining a social event because you need rest or saying no to a favour because you’re stretched too thin, prioritising yourself is healthy. Saying no allows you to focus on what truly matters to you and prevents burnout. Taking care of yourself is important, even if it disappoints people sometimes, and it teaches people to respect your limits too. You don’t need to justify or over-explain your decision — “no” is a complete sentence.
2. Taking a break when you’re overwhelmed
Stepping back from responsibilities or social interactions when you’re feeling drained is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes life can feel like too much, and giving yourself permission to pause helps you recover mentally and physically. Whether it’s taking a day off work, cancelling plans, or even a 15-minute breather, these breaks are necessary for your health and well-being. Resting when needed helps you return stronger, more focused, and more present in your relationships and tasks. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and recharging is vital to maintaining balance.
3. Feeling jealous of people sometimes
Jealousy is a natural human emotion, and feeling it doesn’t mean you’re bitter or petty. It’s often a signal that there’s something you desire or need in your own life. The key is recognising the feeling and using it to reflect on your goals and aspirations. Instead of feeling guilty about being jealous, ask yourself what it’s trying to teach you. Channelling it into motivation or self-awareness can lead to personal growth rather than resentment. Remember, everyone experiences jealousy from time to time, and acknowledging it can be the first step to addressing it.
4. Losing your temper sometimes
Everyone gets angry or frustrated, and occasionally snapping doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person. Anger is a valid emotion, and it can be a signal that something needs to change. Suppressing anger can lead to even bigger outbursts later. What’s important is how you address it after you’ve calmed down. Apologising, if necessary, and learning from the situation shows emotional maturity. It’s okay to lose your cool now and then; no one can stay composed 100% of the time.
5. Not always being available for people
There will be times when you need to focus on yourself, and that’s okay. You can’t be everything to everyone all the time. Being unavailable now and then doesn’t mean you don’t care — it just means you’re human and have limits. Taking time for yourself allows you to show up better for other people later. If people genuinely care about you, they will understand that you need space and time to recharge.
6. Changing your mind
Deciding to do something different or adjusting your plans isn’t a sign of inconsistency or flakiness. People grow, learn, and evolve, and your choices will reflect that. Changing your mind is a sign of flexibility and self-awareness, not unreliability. It’s okay to shift direction if new information or feelings come up. Holding yourself hostage to an old decision can be more harmful than adapting to your current needs.
7. Taking pride in your accomplishments
Feeling proud of yourself isn’t arrogance; it’s recognising your hard work and achievements. Celebrating your wins helps build confidence and motivation. Acknowledging your successes doesn’t diminish anyone else’s — it validates your effort. You deserve to feel good about what you’ve accomplished, no matter how big or small. Letting yourself feel proud is a healthy way to maintain self-respect and encourage future growth.
8. Not responding to messages immediately
Sometimes you just don’t have the mental energy to text back right away, and that’s okay. Responding when you’re ready is healthier than forcing a conversation when you’re drained. Taking time to recharge doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your relationships. It’s a way of preserving your emotional bandwidth and being more present when you do engage. The people who care about you will understand that everyone needs space sometimes.
9. Needing time alone
Craving solitude doesn’t make you antisocial or rude. Time alone can be restorative, giving you the space to reflect, relax, and process your thoughts. Knowing when to step back helps you maintain balance in your social and emotional life. Alone time is a must for personal growth, creativity, and mental clarity. It allows you to recharge, so you can show up fully when you’re with other people.
10. Feeling sad for no clear reason
Emotions don’t always come with a logical explanation, and that’s perfectly normal. Feeling down, even when everything seems fine, doesn’t make you ungrateful or dramatic. Emotions are complex, and it’s okay to experience them without fully understanding why. Acknowledging your feelings, instead of pushing them aside, is a healthy way to process them. Being human means having a wide range of emotions, and that’s nothing to feel guilty about.
11. Cutting off toxic relationships
Walking away from people who consistently harm or drain you is an act of self-preservation, not cruelty. You’re allowed to prioritise your mental health by creating distance. Letting go of toxic connections means valuing yourself and your well-being. It’s not your responsibility to fix or tolerate people who refuse to respect you. Ending these relationships is often necessary for your growth and peace of mind.
12. Not having everything figured out
Feeling lost or unsure about your life path doesn’t make you a failure. Life is unpredictable, and it’s normal to have periods of uncertainty. Not knowing everything is part of growth, and you’re allowed to figure things out as you go. Embracing the unknown can lead to new opportunities and personal discovery. Remember, no one has it all together, even if it sometimes looks that way.
13. Wanting recognition for your efforts
It’s not vain or needy to want people to acknowledge the hard work you’ve put in. Everyone likes to feel seen and appreciated for what they do. Seeking recognition for your contributions is a basic human desire, not a flaw. It validates the effort you’ve invested and boosts your motivation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a “thank you” or a pat on the back now and then.
14. Making mistakes and learning from them
Messing up is an unavoidable part of being human. What matters is how you respond to those mistakes. Learning, apologising, and growing from them shows strength and character, not failure. Mistakes provide valuable lessons that help you improve. You’re not defined by your errors, but by how you move forward from them.
