When I was a teenager I was really cruel to my parents. How can I get over the guilt?

Question

I said and did some really cruel things to them. As a teen, I thought I knew it all and that they only wanted to ruin my fun. I chose my (ex) boyfriend over them in almost everyway and at one time completely quit talking to them. Told them, I didn't like them, when I got older I wouldn't come home to visit. Talked about them. Really cruel things. I have a lot of guilt about it. When I think of some of the things I said to them, I want to cry. I'm 24 now and I realize that my parents are the best friends I could have ever had and Iove them with all of my heart. We are not inseparable. They forgive me and of course we've moved on, but its hard to get over the guilt of things I said/did.
They say it was just a phase and that most teens go through it, but I feel so bad.
suggestions/comments welcome. Thanks.

type-o. Should say,
' we are NOW inseparable.'

Answer 1

It's just lovely that you're close to your parents.

You're very very lucky that they forgave you, and to such a deep extent too. Take this as an indication that they bhave moved on, and perhaps you should try to as well.

The best, best method to rid yourself of all these, is to sit down your parent's and tell them that you are genuinely sorry for what you did. Just say something like "I was thinking about what I did in my teens, and mum and dad, I just want to say I'm so sorry. I'm so grateful you gave me another chance!

Your parent's will apreciate it to no end, and you will get it off your chest. You seem to feel as if those cracks in your relationship have just been papered over. Mend them with cement.

Also, remember that every body deserves a second chance- which you got. Don't mess it up!

Good luck :D

Answer 2

What goes goes around, comes around. You reap what you sow. Your parents were teens once upon a time. And like you said, most teens act that way or similar. I'm sure you probably brought back memories of how they treated their parents. It is a phase. The teen years are the toughest years. I don't know too many teens that didn't go through things with their parents. But if your parents have forgiven you, then you need to forgive yourself. That guilty emotion could be replaced with some other useful emotion in your life. Don't waste time nor energy dwelling on guilt. My sisters and I did a lot of things that hurt my mother, but we get along just great now. And she understands because she remember her teen years. The point is that almost everyone goes through it.

Answer 3

You know you screwed up and your parents know you know. Don't live in the past. Everyone makes mistakes, its what you do with them that makes the difference. And it sounds like you really did, if you now have a good relationship with them.
See parents don't need long winded lifetime of apologies and guilt from their children. They love them no matter what. They know you're sorry and that's enough for them. They just want to see you happy and enjoy the relationship they have with you. If they have forgiven you, don't keep punishing yourself. Use your experiences to move forward with your life. Your parents will appreciate that way more than 1,000 apologies from you.

Answer 4

You were young and being a teen is tough. But now your grown and matured.No matter what there still your parents and they will always love you. Tell them you love them try to do things for them go over for dinner offer to help spend time with them life is to short for guilt. I have been there i know what you mean.

Answer 5

hun...will all do things we regret be it as a teen or an adult...the good thing is that we also learn from our mistakes...you sound like the one that has learned alot..so all you have to do is tell your parents Thanks for standing beside you even though you was a nightmare to live with..Thanks for loving you so much that they supported you and helped you become the women you are to day...you will be fine..I promice I just went thru this a few yrs back and know that they forgave me and understood..now I'm a responsible citizen and treat people the way that I would want to be treated..hugs...

Answer 6

well...Guilt is something we all deal with....we all do things we regret.... but the only way to get over guilt is forgiveness...you said that your parents have forgiven you and you have moved on...but you also need to forgive yourself...and lastly you need to ask God to forgive you. He is the only one that can truely heal guilt. Just pray about it and read the Bible. If you need any more help just email me at
[e-mail]!
Good Luck and God Bless! <3

Answer 7

As a parent , they have forgiven you . That and foremost is important . Show them your love now , and they are right , it was a stage you are were going threw.
Not one of us is perfect , we can all be forgiven . Prayer works for me and alot of others .
Whats important now is , move on enjoy your parents , that is the greatest gift you could give them

Answer 8

I'm a parent and I can tell you that you want the very best for your child. And that includes peace of mind. Your parents have forgiven you, and I'm sure they don't want to remember either. So forgive yourself and remember: when you have kids, your parents are going to get their revenge!
PS They love you and are glad to be reunited with you.

Answer 9

As a parent, you want the very best for your child. Just having you acknowledge it is enough. We expect that behavior because we did it ourselves. COntinue to tell them you're sorry, show them how much they mean to you and remember when you have children of your own....what goes around comes around.

Answer 10

this could be a severe case of severe administration. I essentially suspect that your mum and dad be stricken by some severe psychological sickness. it is not wholesome for you, nor even for them to behave like that.