Sleeping with the wrong person can cause emotional pain that lasts far beyond the moment. If the person doesn’t “value or respect you,” you may feel used, empty, or regretful. Emotions can get tangled, especially when people struggle to separate sex from emotional attachment, often leading to self-doubt and heartache.

Social consequences can also follow. If the person is already in a relationship, it may cause “broken trust, damaged friendships, or even public drama.” Even in casual hookups, mismatched expectations can hurt—one person might want more, while the other sees it as just sex.

Physical risks are serious too. Unprotected sex may lead to STIs or unplanned pregnancy. Even with protection, “nothing is 100% foolproof.” Health scares or unexpected responsibilities can deeply affect your mental well-being, especially without mutual support.

Long term, it can damage how you see yourself or trust others. Some people repeat these encounters for validation but end up feeling worse. As the article notes, “recognizing your worth, setting boundaries,” and choosing emotionally compatible partners can help you avoid these regrets.

In short, a brief mistake can have lasting effects—emotionally, socially, physically, and psychologically.