I don’t usually ever talk about things like this, especially to strangers and I will probably delete it eventually but….
I’m 21. And from like age 8-20 I had a problem with stealing. And it was not because I necessarily needed to but I would usually just take candy from stores. Only time I took something I actually needed were some batteries and a phone charger but nothing beyond just that. I also took money from my classmates lockers and I even once almost took someone’s iPod, but I was so afraid that I ended up giving it back the next day. But what’s even worse is the fact that I have taken some of my brother’s birthday/Christmas money that he keeps in a stash. Rough estimate at least $250. And yes I do feel horrible about it all. And I wish I could go back and time and have never done it to begin with. Fast forward to now I have successfully fought off the urge to shoplift because I know how bad it can be for your career if you get caught. I’m currently a full time college student so I don’t work. My dad gives me a certain amount of spending money every week to kind of help me with it. And no I haven’t told him because we do have a good relationship and he’s one of the closest people to me. And I have been putting a bit of it back in my brother’s stash as restitution. I appreciate any advice. Feel free to call me a pos as well.
Obviously shitty, but you seem to understand that and are working to stop. Nobody was permanently or seriously harmed, and you’re working on making reparations to the person that you harmed the most, even if they don’t know it.
Sounds like you were a shitty kid that didn’t know better, and that you’ve gained some forethought. Sucks that it mostly came from fear of consequences for yourself instead of empathy to others, but it also seems like you’re on the right path.
It’s okay to grow and to learn how to be a better person. Keep going. Seconding the other commenter that suggested therapy - even if not directly about this.