Redditor Gets Long-Overdue Revenge On Neighbor By Preventing Them From Getting High-Speed Internet
“No way I’m letting them run lines over my property, not after what they did to me!”
Imagine surviving on sluggish internet while the rest of the world zooms past on high-speed connections. That was our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) reality for nearly a decade.
However, the stars recently aligned, and the elusive high-speed internet fairy finally paid a visit to their humble home—but the road to victory wasn’t without its bumps.
Living in an area with multiple broadband options sounds like a dream, right? Well, not so fast. OP’s house was tucked away about a mile off the public road, making it a bit of a challenge for utilities to reach their sanctuary.
Their only neighbors were separated from them by a decent chunk of land, and though they weren’t exactly besties, they coexisted peacefully.
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. OP struck a deal with the local internet deity to bring the blazing-fast connection home—but it required the neighbors’ nod too. All they needed to do was sign on for a month so the line could be run under their property—no cost required; OP promised to sort that.
However, if they were happy with the service and chose to continue, OP offered to cover three months of their bill as a thank you. Plot twist! The neighbor said no.
Thankfully, years later, another golden opportunity (not involving neighbors) presented itself, and OP hopped on immediately.
The neighbors, probably struck by FOMO, suddenly wanted to jump on the bandwagon, but OP forbade their installer from laying their cable across his lawn ‘temporarily.’ The time for striking deals was long past.
Surprisingly, OP’s friend wasn’t on their side and even called them spiteful. Were they wrong for refusing to inconvenience themselves for their unneighborly neighbors?
Let’s dig into the details
Reddit.comA bit of background
Reddit.comRevenge and Its Psychological Roots
The desire for revenge often stems from feelings of betrayal and injustice. According to Dr. Richard Smith, a psychologist specializing in aggression, revenge can be seen as a way to restore a perceived balance after being wronged. This need to retaliate can be driven by deep-seated emotions related to fairness and control, particularly when individuals feel powerless in a situation.
In this case, the resident’s actions against their neighbor may reflect a broader psychological response to feeling mistreated, demonstrating how unresolved conflicts can manifest in retaliatory behaviors.
OP worked out a deal to run a high-speed internet line through their neighbor’s property to their home. However, the neighbor declined to sign up
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OP eventually went through with their plans, but in a more difficult way. Years later, their neighbor decided to make their own installation, which needed to run through OP’s property. You best believe OP gave them a taste of their own medicine.
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Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlights that revenge can provide a short-term sense of satisfaction but often fails to resolve underlying issues. This can lead to a cycle of ongoing conflict and negativity that perpetuates feelings of animosity between neighbors.
Understanding the psychology behind revenge can help individuals recognize the potential long-term consequences of their actions and encourage them to pursue healthier resolutions.
OP’s neighbor kept pleading, but OP stood firm on their decision
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OP added some additional information
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Constructive Alternatives to Revenge
To break the cycle of revenge, individuals might consider alternative approaches to conflict resolution. Techniques suggested by conflict resolution experts, such as Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, emphasize the importance of expressing needs and feelings constructively. Instead of focusing on retaliation, the resident could engage in dialogue with their neighbor to address grievances directly and seek a more amicable resolution.
By fostering understanding and cooperation, individuals can work towards solutions that respect both parties' rights and promote positive relationships.
The final bit
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Check out some of the most upvoted comments:
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Additionally, focusing on emotional regulation is crucial in navigating feelings of anger and resentment. Research indicates that mindfulness practices can help individuals manage their emotional responses more effectively. Engaging in mindfulness techniques can allow the resident to process their feelings and approach the situation with a clearer mindset, reducing the impulse for revenge.
“NTA. What comes around goes around.”
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“You're only treating the neighbor the same way he treated you.”
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Redditors were strongly on OP’s side. OP gave the neighbors a wonderful offer in the past that could have benefited both homes, but they stubbornly rejected it. Now, they’re getting a taste of their own medicine.
The consensus was clear: they’d missed their shot, and it was too late now. Good luck to them and their DSL.
Do you agree with this verdict? Let us know in the comments.
“They were happy with their DSL until they saw you basically set up infrastructure they could piggyback off of.”
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“NTA. They had a great opportunity you offered in the past.”
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Psychological Analysis
This scenario illustrates a common reaction to feeling wronged, where the desire for revenge can overshadow more constructive responses. It's essential for individuals to recognize that while retaliation may feel satisfying in the moment, it often perpetuates conflict rather than resolving it. Developing emotional regulation skills can empower individuals to approach conflicts with a more balanced perspective, ultimately promoting healthier interactions.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
This situation highlights the psychological complexities surrounding feelings of revenge and conflict. As noted by Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, "Understanding the roots of our conflicts can help us choose more constructive paths." By focusing on constructive dialogue and emotional regulation, individuals can break free from cycles of retaliation and foster better relationships with their neighbors. Furthermore, Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, emphasizes that "Emotional awareness is key to navigating interpersonal conflicts effectively." By applying these insights, one can cultivate healthier interactions.
