One thing over the years... one thing I've seen that is so important to becareful with is your own reputation. The things people remember you by and how greatly that affects your relationships with others in the long scheme of things.
Let me ask this, do you believe that reputation is a fragile thing? Do you think that a person could enter a state of no return once they've ruined their own reputation. Or is it possible for that person to redeem themselves of their foolish actions of the past? Would it be better for that person to just accept how things are and move on?