FeelingGuide

Ashamed vs Regret

Ashamed

negative emotion

Ashamed is an emotional response that arises from a perceived failure to meet personal or societal standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or humiliation. It often involves a sense of exposure and a desire to hide or withdraw from others due to fear of judgment.

Regret

negative emotion

Regret is an emotional response characterized by feelings of sorrow or disappointment over something that one has done or failed to do, often accompanied by a desire to change the past or a sense of loss regarding opportunities or choices not taken.

Key Differences

AspectAshamedRegret
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureAshamed tends to be more destructive than constructive, as it can lead to self-isolation and negative self-perception. H...Regret can be both constructive and destructive. Constructively, it may prompt self-reflection and positive change, lead...

Ashamed's Perspective

Ashamed is often confused with guilt; however, while both emotions involve a sense of wrongdoing, ashamed is broader and relates to self-identity. Guilt is more focused on specific actions, whereas ashamed encompasses feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness.

Regret's Perspective

Regret is frequently confused with guilt, yet they are distinct emotions. While regret focuses on the evaluation of past decisions and their outcomes, guilt often pertains to a sense of responsibility for wrongdoing or harm caused to others. Both emotions can co-exist, but regret can be seen as more about personal choices, whereas guilt is relational and often involves moral considerations.

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