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.

  • pebbles@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    10 hours ago

    I get why you would feel like a bad person. You stole and that’s easily considered wrong. Feeling bad about that is natural.

    I think you are allowed room for mistakes. And if something is a habit it is good to be kind to yourself. Cleaning up a long held bad habit can take longer than we expect.

    My advice is that sometimes we realize we want to live differently, and that’s awesome. You obviously want to give back and be kind to people. You are also very young and impulse control is a bitch. It doesn’t finish developing till late 20s.

    You’ll make more mistakes in the future. You’ll realize you’ve hurt people and that’s okay, that’s life. Just keep adjusting and don’t be too hard on yourself.