In childhood, we learn to admit when we make a mistake and promise not to do it again. Often with tears.
Regret comes from the experience of hurt. Someone else got hurt because of us. We got hurt. We learned our lesson.
As adults, we still have regrets: the things that matter, we didn’t pay enough attention to; the time we didn’t spend with people we love; the words we didn’t get to say before it's too late.
Empathy teaches us to see others (and ourselves). Regrets allow us to envision our better selves in becoming.
