The woman facing you is a mess. A large red wine stain accents the folds of her gorgeous white blouse and she’s carrying her left shoe in her hand, the broken heel creating a metaphoric ‘thumbs-down’. The tissues in her other hand crumble as she uses them to wipe her nose for the hundredth time. Her expression reeks of nostalgic pain and you’re not sure if she’s about to burst out laughing or begin sobbing incomprehensible sentences.

This woman is the spokesperson for a few of the regrets that many of us experience after the holiday season. 

Regret #1 - The Stain

How it happened:

While forcing her way through the massive crowd at the company Christmas party, ‘Spilly-Talker’ Dave tells an epic story a few steps away. Just as she enters the danger zone of proximity, Dave flails his arms into the air at the climax of his tale, toppling her drink and creating a model Red Sea on her blouse. The only possible way he couldn’t have stained an article of her clothing was if she had shown up to the party nude. 

The solution:

This is an extremely time sensitive fix. She needs to B-line it for the nearest bar and find herself a hefty supply of soda water. After removing the shirt, soak a clean cloth with the club soda and start blotting the stain - don’t rub. If a sponge is handy, wrap the cloth around it for extra absorption. Once the majority of the stain is removed, pour white wine or vinegar on the garment to help neutralize the remaining red wine. Keeping the garment wet is important to prevent the stain from setting - avoid dryers and soak overnight in water if you plan to visit the dry cleaner the following day. 

With a bit of perseverance and quick-thinking, there will be no need to cry over the blouse. Cry over the wasted Bordeaux wine instead. 
 
Regret #2 - The Nostalgia 

How it happened:

Dinner with family. Drinks with friends. Uncle Ted asking how her three kids are doing despite the fact that she has none. Mary telling her that she loves her new hair color even though its been brown for the past three years. Trying to find where the cutlery drawer is located in her childhood home. Handing her friend Sue a cocktail, then awkwardly realizing that Sue is pregnant. Ultimately realizing that she isn’t as connected to this lifestyle that she once used to be so close with. 

The solution:

Technology. In this generation, there is little excuse for not staying connected with family and friends, even despite a significant geographical distance. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter help keep everyone up to date. Skype, when paired with a webcam and microphone, is the cheapest way to talk and see one another long distance - free!

Regret #3 - The Shoe

How it happened:

That sewer grate has been there for the past 25 years. How she stumbled into its grasp and twisted her ankle in an embarrassing body lurch, breaking the heel off her 4-inch pumps is inconceivable - but it happened. So, what could she have done to salvage the day?

The solution:

Purchase Shoe Goo for future footwear mishaps. This adhesive will work on most materials and comes in clear or black. It doesn’t provide the same quality seal you would get from a professional repair, but a cheaper pair of shoes isn’t worth the expense. An entire heel can be replaced on most pairs of shoes but usually requires both shoes to be repaired so they will match. Exposed metal at the bottom of a stiletto is quickly fixed at any shoe shop for around $10/pair. 

Regret #4 - The Missed Opportunity

How it happened:

New Years Eve. “10...9...8...”  She’s standing next to him, nervously holding the drink in her hand. The flirtatious glances and enthusiastic enjoyment of the other's witticisms has defined the night thus far. “...4...3...2...” As the final seconds are yelled in unison, she peers at him from the corner of her eye, anticipating him to turn toward her. The crowd proclaims, ‘...1! Happy New Year!’ and while the confetti falls to the ground to the strains of Auld Lang Syne, she finds herself kissing nobody and taking a long swig of her drink instead. 

The solution:

Don’t give up. There are many reasons why he chose not to kiss her at the stroke of midnight. Perhaps he was hoping that she would initiate, or his crazy ex was watching him with hawkish eyes from across the room. New Year's Eve isn’t the only opportunity to have a magical moment with this guy. She should throw tradition out the window, trust her instincts and ask him out. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Keep your chin up regardless of any post-holiday angst you might be experiencing. We've all been there - an outfit stained, ruined shoes, and sometimes the realization you may not be as close with family and friends as you once were. Luckily, there’s a solution to all of these issues. The beginning of a new year is the perfect milestone to start from scratch and go after the things that you desire. Do everything you can to make 2010 a year that you won’t regret.

by Marayna Dickinson