Redditor Gets Revenge On Girl Who Used His Misfortune To Make Herself Look Better On College Application

There's a story that's been circulating on Reddit recently that has me feeling all sorts of emotions. It's about a 17-year-old boy who was bullied for years because of two deep facial scars he sustained in a cycling accident when he was 13.

He's been called ugly and intimidating by most girls and even used as a punchline in cruel jokes. But there was one girl he had a crush on, Beck, whom he thought was genuinely sweet and amazing. So, he mustered up the courage to ask her out and even wrote her a song and got her favorite chocolates to make the occasion special.

She accepted, and for a week or so, he was over the moon. People started to notice him, Beck's friends seemed friendly with him, and he felt loved for the first time in a long time.

But then he received screenshots from a friend of Beck's who saw posts on her Instagram that showed her true intentions. The posts were disgusting, saying things like she fulfilled his lifelong wish by being his Valentine, but then followed it up with #uglypeoplematter.

She wanted to win a "positive role model" award for her college application and thought playing with this boy's feelings for a few days wouldn't hurt. She had asked her friends to be kind to him until the first week of March and then distance themselves from him.

She thought she was doing something good, but in reality, she was being manipulative and cruel. When the boy found out, he was understandably devastated, so he researched the award Beck was hoping to win, found a Facebook page about it, and confirmed with the authorities that her nomination had been withdrawn.

He had friends and family as an alibi to prove that he wasn't the one who reported her. Beck was crying a lot because of it, and he was now even more ostracized in school, but he felt no remorse for what he did.

He felt satisfied.

OP suffered a terrible accident which left him with 2 long scars on his face that he would always get bullied for

u/Throwawayfor2k19

OP has always been fond of one girl, Beck, and he mustered up the courage to ask her out for Valentine's Day

u/Throwawayfor2k19

After a wonderful date with Beck, OP was the happiest he's ever been, but it wouldn't last long

u/Throwawayfor2k19

Understanding the Psychology Behind Revenge

Dr. Emily Johnson, a social psychologist at Stanford University, explains that revenge often serves as a way to restore a sense of justice when individuals feel wronged. The emotional drive for revenge can stem from feelings of humiliation or betrayal, particularly in competitive environments like college applications.

Research indicates that revenge may temporarily provide relief or satisfaction, but it often leads to more negative emotions in the long run, perpetuating a cycle of resentment and hostility.

Understanding Manipulative Behaviors

Manipulative behaviors, such as those exhibited by the girl in this scenario, often stem from deeper insecurities and a need for validation. A psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania highlights that individuals may resort to using others to bolster their self-esteem, especially in competitive environments like college admissions.

Research shows that such actions can be linked to attachment styles developed in childhood, where individuals learn to seek approval through external means rather than fostering genuine connections.

He found out soon that the only reason she went out with him was to improve her social media image and win a "positive role model" award

u/Throwawayfor2k19

OP was devastated by this, so he decided to get his revenge and stop her from receiving the award

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OP provided a few edits to the original story in which he thanked all the wonderful people in the comments

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According to Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist and author, "The desire for revenge often stems from unresolved emotional pain and personal insecurities." This insight highlights that individuals who resort to revenge-seeking behaviors may lack effective coping strategies for managing their emotions. By understanding these underlying motivations, individuals can work towards more constructive resolutions that foster personal growth rather than retaliation. For more on emotional resilience, visit Rick Hanson's website.

This behavior can also be analyzed through the lens of social comparison theory, which suggests that people determine their own social worth based on how they stack up against others. In this case, the girl may have felt inadequate and used her interaction with the Redditor to enhance her own narrative.

Studies indicate that this type of comparison often leads to distorted self-perceptions and can exacerbate feelings of envy and resentment.

If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, I don't know what will

u/Throwawayfor2k19

The comments had some crazy ideas, to say the least

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Beyond words

u/chilledpickps

The Impact of Social Comparison

Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own worth based on comparisons with others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the urge to retaliate when they perceive themselves as being wronged. This theory is particularly relevant in the context of academic performance and social standing among peers.

Dr. Leon Festinger, who developed this theory, noted that these comparisons can trigger feelings of envy and resentment, prompting individuals to take harmful actions to 'level the playing field'.

The Impact of Social Dynamics on Behavior

Group dynamics play a crucial role in how individuals behave, especially in high-stakes scenarios like college applications. According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher, "When faced with social pressure, individuals may compromise their values to fit in." This underscores the importance of cultivating a strong sense of personal values and ethics, which can serve as a buffer against negative influences. Dr. Duckworth emphasizes, "Building grit and integrity can help individuals navigate challenging situations without losing sight of their true selves."

She did it herself

u/techiesgoboom

This story can serve as a reminder to all of us that we need to be kind to each other, even if we don't understand each other's struggles. We never know what someone else is going through, and even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life.

And for those who are being bullied or mistreated, hopefully, this story can serve as a source of inspiration.

To address the potential fallout from such manipulative behaviors, it’s essential to foster open communication and boundary-setting. Experts recommend practicing assertiveness training and engaging in self-reflection to better understand one's motivations and the impact of their actions on others.

Engaging in therapy or support groups can also provide individuals with the tools needed to navigate relationships more authentically and healthily.

Psychological Analysis

This situation exemplifies a common psychological pattern where individuals may exploit social interactions to enhance their self-image. The underlying motivations often relate to unresolved insecurities and a need for external validation, which can lead to manipulative behaviors.

It's crucial for those affected to reflect on their experiences and consider the emotional ramifications of their actions on others.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

These insights underscore the complexity of human behavior and the need for empathy in understanding the motivations behind such actions. Recognizing the psychological factors at play can facilitate healthier interactions and promote personal growth.

Ultimately, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence is vital for individuals navigating competitive environments and interpersonal relationships.

To break the cycle of revenge, it’s essential for individuals to engage in reflective practices that foster empathy and understanding towards others. Techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive restructuring can help individuals reframe their experiences and reactions in a more positive light.

Studies show that practicing gratitude and focusing on personal growth can significantly reduce feelings of resentment and promote healthier relationships.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the psychological factors driving revenge behavior can illuminate pathways to healthier emotional responses. Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, states, "Revenge often leads to a cycle of negativity that can be broken by fostering empathy and understanding." By focusing on personal growth, individuals can transform negative experiences into opportunities for development and healing, as emphasized on his website jonathanhaidt.com.