The paths you didn’t take stay perfect forever because you never had to walk them.

An unlived option never has to survive contact with reality, so it keeps every advantage and acquires no difficulties. The life you chose has visible costs because you are paying them, and the other one has hidden costs because nobody is. That comparison is not a fair one, and it will always come out the same way.

When the other road looks better, deliberately imagine its ordinary Wednesday, including the parts you would have complained about. Then look for what is genuinely missing in the life you have and address that directly. Regret is often a real signal wearing a fantasy costume.