IT Wiz Takes Ingenious Revenge On Game-Obsessed Roommate After Months Of Being Sleep-Deprived Due To His Loud Gaming
Another day to remember that you should never mess with anyone in IT.
Living with roommates can be a unique challenge, especially when their habits start to encroach on your own well-being. One such instance of unbearable roommate behavior is brilliantly depicted in a recent Reddit story, shedding light on the importance of treating your housemates with respect—particularly when they work in IT.
The OP of this story is a line-of-sight internet installer who requires sharp focus and alertness for their demanding job. Unfortunately, their peace is consistently disrupted by a housemate who is an avid gamer.
This isn't your everyday casual gamer; this individual takes gaming to the extreme, with sessions lasting until 3 AM, accompanied by loud explosions, a cascade of colorful expletives, and aggressive stomping.
This daily ritual not only affects OP's sleep but also attracts multiple complaints from neighbors living in their townhouse block.
After months of enduring this, as well as the barrage of complaints, OP decided to take matters into their own hands. With expertise in IT and routers, they devised a three-phase plan to reclaim their quiet nights.
Using their knowledge, they manipulated the Wi-Fi connection, making it flicker on and off at specific intervals. The aim of all this was to implement an access time restriction, which would cut off internet access to the housemate's Xbox after 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends.
The end result was sweet, uninterrupted sleep for OP and a valuable lesson for the roommate: never underestimate the power of a tech-savvy individual, especially when they are pushed to their limits.
Let’s dig into the details
Reddit.comA bit of backstory
Reddit.comAfter multiple complaints from the neighbors, OP has decided to take action
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Understanding the Impact of Noise on Well-Being
This scenario illustrates the significant impact of environmental stressors, such as noise, on mental health and well-being.
Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicates that exposure to excessive noise can lead to increased stress, irritability, and anxiety.
In shared living situations, such stressors can exacerbate conflicts and affect interpersonal relationships, as seen in this case.
OP secretly configured his roommate's router to go off at night
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Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:
OP’s roommate will need all the luck he can get
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“I always wonder how people end up with hellish roommates? Were you friends at one point?”
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Moreover, the act of retaliation described here reflects a common reaction to prolonged stressors.
Studies in psychology have shown that individuals often resort to aggressive behaviors when feeling overwhelmed or powerless.
This can create a cycle of conflict that further deteriorates relationships.
He definitely needs anger management classes
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“Bandwidth throttling is the way to go - being seriously lagged is going to just ruin the whole online experience.”
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“Well, if he's unemployed, at least he won't be there much longer, hopefully.”
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Expert-Recommended Strategies for Managing Noise
To address noise-related conflicts, open communication is essential.
Research indicates that discussing preferences and setting clear expectations can significantly reduce misunderstandings.
Roommates can benefit from establishing quiet hours or designated spaces for gaming to minimize disruption.
Bad internet can frustrate you in a way that you never imagined
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“I don't understand how difficult it is for your roommate to use a headset.”
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“Ah yes, the masterful art of blocking MAC addresses.”
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Additionally, exploring soundproofing options can help create a more peaceful living environment.
Studies show that investing in soundproofing materials can lead to greater satisfaction in shared living situations.
By addressing the physical environment, roommates can improve their overall quality of life.
No one wants to be disturbed in their sleep knowing they have work in the morning
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“Not cool. You both pay the internet bill, I presume?”
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The Reddit community is fully behind OP on his decision to mess with the router. As much as his housemate is free to play video games, it makes no sense to deprive others of their beauty sleep.
Some commenters even suggested other, more annoying ways to handle the housemate, like slowing down the internet, etc. However, a few commenters have argued that since the housemate also contributes to the internet bill, it wouldn't be proper to lock him out.
Rather, they can have a heart-to-heart discussion about how to sort out the situation. We'd love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversation in the comments below.
The Role of Emotional Regulation in Conflict
Emotional regulation is crucial in navigating conflicts related to shared living situations.
Research from Yale University emphasizes that developing emotional regulation skills can help individuals manage their responses to stressors more effectively.
This can lead to healthier interactions and improved well-being in shared environments.
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates the common challenges faced in shared living environments, particularly regarding noise and stress.
It's crucial for individuals to engage in open discussions about their needs and preferences to prevent conflict and foster cooperation.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychological impact of noise and environmental stressors is essential for maintaining healthy roommate relationships.
According to Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author, "Open communication is crucial in resolving conflicts and fostering a peaceful living environment." By prioritizing these elements, roommates can create a more harmonious living situation.
