All the promises we make from the cradle to the grave

I talked to a dear, old friend last night (we met when we were five). We talked about another dear, old friend (we met when we were three) who is going through yucky life stuff. I used the phrase "irretrievable action" during the conversation. I couldn't stop thinking about it all night. What are the things we say or do that we cannot take back, that we can barely be forgiven for?

I have gotten into a few conversations lately that I would like to take back. I find the most difficult part of apologizing is figuring out what to apologize for. Should you apologize for your opinions or just how you go about saying them? I'm told to stop letting people push my buttons, but then I am also supposed to be sensitive to other people's feelings (their buttons). Where should I draw the line?

I had another conversation with someone about moving on after a mistake. While we live in a society where everybody's business is everybody's business, we forget how to move on. How do we find grace and compassion for ourselves and each other?

I also need your help. My mom's birthday is on Sunday and I have no brilliant ideas on what to get her. Ideas?