Many of us use the terms guilt and shame interchangeably. We talk about feeling shameful and guilty about something difficult that has happened. But shame researchers, including Brene Brown, believe that there is a profound difference between shame and guilt. Guilt “I did something wrong” Shame “I am wrong” In these two statements there is a subtle difference in language and labelling. But this difference carries a monumental weight. Guilt is our friend. Guilt makes us feel uncomfortable about something we have done and this discomfort pushes us to address the situation – going back to the shop with the item we forgot to pay for, saying sorry for being mean, allowing someone else to choose this time. Feeling bad when we do something wrong might not feel great but it is important. Otherwise, where would we find the motivation and drive to do better next time or repair the situation this time. Shame is not our friend. We have all felt it, that horrible