In Marilynne Robinson's book "Gilead," the author reflects on how others' feelings of regret can cloud their perception of you. When someone harbors regret, they may mistakenly interpret your actions as anger, even when you are simply living your life peacefully. This misinterpretation can create unnecessary tension and misunderstanding between you and others.

Robinson emphasizes the importance of self-assurance in these situations. When people project their feelings onto you, it can lead to self-doubt and distract from your personal journey. Recognizing this sooner in life could help mitigate the distractions caused by others' perceptions, allowing you to focus on your own choices without interference.