Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #5)

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Regret comes in two flavors: actions taken and opportunities missed. The regret from doing something stems from either not being able to undo it, or the awful outcome, such as hurting someone with an insensitive comment, or feeling wretched after declaring one’s love. The regret of not doing something, in contrast, relates to things left unsaid, or love never declared.

There is never a decision made that leaves a person entirely free from doubt.

even if what you saw was a dream, wouldn’t it still be a part of your life?”

It’s simply impossible to always be there to help. Protection is not everything. It would have been better if I let her gain the strength to overcome adversity by herself.

Expressing your feelings honestly isn’t wrong. It’s rare for someone to take offense at being told they are liked—on the contrary, it’s a blessing. So why is it so hard to take that step? Saying “I like you” should be simple, but around each person’s heart there appears to be a massive wall. Not a physical barrier but an emotional one. When we interact with each other, we hold back because we don’t know what’s on the other side of the wall.