A mistake you hide gets heavier every day you carry it. Set it down early.

Hiding something turns one event into a daily job. You have to remember the cover story, avoid a subject, and manage your face every time it comes near. The mistake stopped happening long ago and the carrying has not. What someone forgives in a day can be much harder to forgive after a month of being managed.

If you are holding something, tell the person most affected while it is still small, and lead with what you did rather than why. Say what you plan to do about it. The relief is usually bigger and quicker than you expect.