Selfish or Necessary

In Elementary School I don't remember hearing from teachers that its ok to make a mistake. Is that because its wrong? What would qualify as a mistake?

• Loving the wrong person
• Running away
• Protecting yourself by keeping to yourself
• Not going to college
• Quiting your job to do something you love
• Spending the money that you don't have on a tattoo dedicated to a friend or family member who has passed away.
• Etc.

There are so many things that could be called impractical, illogical, impulsive. Would that make one selfish?
I don't understand why it is ok for our government to waste our money on frivolous matters but, when one person is looked at, all of their past is scrutinized. Everything they are doing in the present, dream to do in the future, is judged by another individuals own opinion.
I've heard that there is no right or wrong. I have also heard that there is a strict list of what is deemed correct or unmoral; which, leads to much confusion. At least, on my part. The only thing people are worried about is, not the government, what their family and friends will say. The possibility of others talking behind their backs. This shame sits on the "guilty" ones chest like a flaming coal. Eating away at the tender feelings and nerves until there is nothing but a raw figure left.