Some indulgences feel so good in the moment, it’s almost impossible to say no. But the truth is, what feels like a thrill now often leaves you with a sinking feeling later. These guilty pleasures aren’t just about fun—they come with a side of regret that can sneak up on you when the high wears off.
Here are 13 guilty pleasures that might feel amazing right now, but they’ll haunt you later.
1. Drunk Texting Your Ex
In the moment, it feels bold, thrilling, and a little rebellious—especially after a few drinks. In a recent article by Ria Health, experts explain that drunk texting your ex often stems from lowered inhibitions and a desire for validation or affection that alcohol amplifies. You convince yourself it’s closure, or just a harmless “Hey.” But the next morning? Regret hits like a freight train.
That moment of connection isn’t worth the emotional spiral that follows. You’ll replay the messages in your head, wondering if you ruined your progress. It’s a trap that never leads anywhere good.
2. Maxing Out Your Credit Card On Impulse Buys
The dopamine hit of adding things to your cart is addictive. In the moment, it feels like you’re finally treating yourself, like you deserve it. But when the bill arrives, reality crashes in.
That thrill of the purchase fades fast. The regret of debt and clutter lingers much longer. Ask yourself: Will I still want this in a month?
3. Oversharing On Social Media
Not everything is meant for public consumption. According to a study published in Psychological Reports, oversharing on social media is linked to anxiety, attention-seeking, and social media addiction, which can lead to negative consequences such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and emotional distress.
Not everything is meant for public consumption. Oversharing can create tension, misunderstandings, or even embarrassment down the line. Think before you post—you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Hooking Up With Someone You Don’t Like
It’s easy to mistake physical chemistry for emotional connection, especially when you’re lonely. As noted by Verywell Mind, while many people experience positive emotional outcomes from casual sex, hookups without a genuine emotional connection can sometimes lead to feelings of regret, loneliness, and emotional distress, especially when the encounter lacks mutual understanding or satisfaction.
Hookups without real connection often leave you feeling more alone, not less. You deserve intimacy that feels good during and after. Don’t settle for less than that.
5. Procrastinating Until The Last Minute
Putting off that project feels like a win—until the deadline looms and panic sets in. The temporary freedom of avoiding your responsibilities quickly turns into a stressful spiral. And the work you produce under pressure? Rarely is your best.
As explained by a comprehensive bibliometric analysis published in Frontiers in Psychology, procrastination is a common behavioral tendency that provides temporary relief but is linked to negative outcomes such as reduced performance and well-being.
6. Gossiping About People Behind Their Backs
The rush of swapping secrets, the feeling of being “in the know”—it’s a social drug. But once the moment passes, the guilt creeps in. You wonder if you’ve crossed a line, and worse, what if they’re doing the same to you?
Gossip might bond you for a second, but it erodes trust in the long run. If they talk to you about others, they’ll talk about you to others too.
7. Staying Up Late Binge-Watching Shows
The “just one more episode” promise feels so good at midnight, but when the alarm blares in the morning, you regret every second. The foggy brain, the sluggish body, the irritability—it’s a steep price to pay for a few extra hours of escape.
Late-night binges feel like freedom, but they steal from your next day. Research by Exelmans and Van den Bulck, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, found that frequent binge-watching is linked to poorer sleep quality, increased fatigue, and more symptoms of insomnia.
8. Eating Your Feelings
That tub of ice cream, those extra slices of pizza, the mindless snacking while you scroll—it feels like comfort in the moment. Food is an easy way to numb pain, boredom, or stress. But once the binge ends, you’re left feeling worse, not better.
Emotional eating doesn’t solve the problem—it just delays it. The guilt, the bloating, the self-criticism? They hit hard and linger.
9. Ignoring Your Gut And Saying Yes When You Mean No
Agreeing to plans, favors, or obligations just to avoid conflict feels like the easy way out. In the moment, you tell yourself you’re being “nice.” But later, resentment builds, and you feel trapped in a life that doesn’t fit.
People-pleasing feels safe, but it erodes your sense of self. Your gut knows when to say no—listen to it.
10. Scrolling Mindlessly For Hours
It starts as a quick check, then suddenly, two hours are gone. The momentary distraction feels like relief from your own life, but you come back feeling emptier than before. The algorithm wins, and you lose precious time.
That endless scroll drains your energy and focus. The regret hits when you realize you could’ve been doing anything else.
11. Venting Your Anger In The Heat Of The Moment
Snapping at someone feels like power in the moment—you’re standing up for yourself, right? But later, you replay the words and wish you’d paused. The damage from an impulsive outburst can be hard to undo.
Anger clouds judgment. Give yourself space to cool down before you respond. Your future self will thank you.
12. Pushing People Away Because You’re Scared
It feels safer to withdraw than to risk rejection. You tell yourself you’re “protecting your peace,” but really, you’re just avoiding vulnerability. After the moment passes, you’re left with loneliness you didn’t want in the first place.
Building walls feels empowering at first, but it keeps connection out. Let people in—even if it’s scary.
13. Skipping Self-Care Because “You’re Too Busy”
It feels productive to power through your day, skipping meals, ignoring breaks, and pushing your limits. In the moment, it’s a badge of honor—but later, your body and mind pay the price. Exhaustion, burnout, and resentment creep in, and you wonder why you feel so drained.
Neglecting yourself isn’t sustainable. Slowing down isn’t laziness—it’s survival.
Natasha is a seasoned lifestyle journalist and editor based in New York City. Originally from Sydney, during a stellar two-decade career, she has reported on the latest lifestyle news and trends for major media brands including Elle and Grazia.
