Dear Abby: I’m nearly 70, and suddenly I’m remembering things from the past that I haven’t thought about in years — mostly conversations in which I wish I had responded differently. (I’ve never been really quick about responding to things.) Now they keep popping up, and I can’t seem to stop thinking about what I wish I had said. I don’t know why this is happening or how to stop it. Any advice?
— Memory-Ridden in Michigan
Dear Memory-Ridden: If this is how you are spending your leisure time, you may have too much of it on your hands. When this happens, try to redirect your thoughts to something else. Then remind yourself that none of us can change the past, but we can learn from it so we don’t repeat our mistakes (or errors of omission) in the future. If what’s happening leads to depression or anxiety, you might benefit from consulting a therapist about it.
Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.