Guilt is a feeling that comes up when you think you’ve done something wrong or made a mistake. It’s like an inner voice telling you that you didn’t act in the best way possible, based on your own values or what you believe to be “right.” For example, if you cheat on a test and then feel bad about it because you value honesty, that feeling is guilt. You guilt or your desire to not feel guilty may guide your actions and behaviors, and it may nudge you to make things right, like apologizing to someone you’ve hurt.