INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Convert guilt into something empowering by being compassionate towards yourself. You are not the first to cheatlots of others have stood in your shoes. Recognize that common thread of humanity and you won't feel so guilty for making a mistake. You might softly caress your shoulders and back while saying "I am only human. I am not perfect. I will make mistakes." This affirmation doesn't excuse your wrongdoingit simply helps alleviate your suffering. You may add an addendum to the statement with something like "I did wrong, but I can try to make amends and do better in the future." Unload the painful feelings you are experiencing through a journaling activity. Doing so can help ease guilt and give you some objectivity about the situation. You may even uncover a solution while writing. Write out in vivid detail exactly what happened. Express your thoughts and feelings about the situation. You might say, "I slept with my ex. I regret it, but I feel so guilty. I don't want my partner to find out, but I don't know how to move forward." If you are worried about someone else reading what you wrote, you might put the paper into a shredder or set it on fire. This act of destruction can also help symbolize that the cheating (and guilt) doesn't have to continue to affect you. Use your belief in a higher power to overcome guilt. You might do this by reading scripture, praying, meditating, fasting, or confiding in a spiritual advisor. Your faith may offer guidance as to how you can move forward after cheating. Following spiritual practices may give you peace and acceptance that ultimately minimize guilt. It's easy to get down on yourself about cheating, but dwelling on the past will only keep you hostage. Practice thought-stopping when guilty feelings emerge. Rather than entertaining them, ask yourself "What now?" and try to continuously take positive action that moves you forward. For example, if negative thoughts arise about what you've done in the past, you might ask "What now?" and identify one small positive action you can take. Actions might include taking your partner out for a romantic date or committing to spending more quality time with them. Guilt, like all emotions, changes shape with passing time. Rather than thinking you must do something to relieve yourself of it, have patience that it will eventually fade. Be on the lookout for negative coping that can lead to depression, addiction, or other emotional problems. Avoid getting through the tough time by withdrawing from others, throwing yourself into work, or using alcohol or drugs.

SUMMARY: Accept that you are only human. Write about the situation. Perform rituals if you are a spiritual person. Focus on the future, not the past. Give it time.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are several ways to get out of class without getting in trouble. Get help from an adult who can vouch for you, like your parents or school administrators. If you just need a break, call your parents and ask them to send you an early dismissal. If you are not feeling well, go visit the nurse's office and see if you can get sent home. At the very least, you will have gotten a break from class for a little while. Visit the counseling office. Speak to your counselor about what is bothering you, or why you need a break, and ask if they will excuse you from your class. There are several rooms available at school which may be empty or acceptable for you to spend some time in. Try the bathroom, library or cafeteria. You may be able to use an empty classroom if it is the teacher's off-period or lunch break, but be aware, they may return and you could get caught. Get a pass to go to the bathroom and just hang out there until you feel ready to return to class. This will likely only work once or twice per class since the teacher will notice if you continue to stay away for long periods of time. Get a pass to the library or just go there between classes and stay after the bell rings. You will have plenty of reading material to keep you entertained during your break. Sneak into an empty classroom and hide in a corner where you can't be seen from the hall. You can hide in the cafeteria by going during a lunch break other than your own, or hiding out in the corner when it is empty. Note that there may still be cafeteria personnel working even when no one is eating lunch. If you are going to skip class, don't make a big show of it. People who are nervous tend to react with either fight or flight mode. If you feel like you are about to get caught, avoid running or being combative with someone who approaches you. If you are feeling nervous, take several deep breaths to calm yourself down. Don't act super sneaky or brag about it, just do what you need to do to take a break. This will make it less likely for you to get caught in the process and easier to explain yourself afterward.

SUMMARY:
Enlist the help of an adult. Hide in safe place. Act normal.