30 People Share The Worst Injustices They've Been Through That They're Still Completely Salty About

Whenever we're wronged by someone, a lot of people would say "Be the bigger person" or "Let karma take care of them for you." But let's be honest, that's only easier said than done.

The reality is that we'd probably want revenge or justice for ourselves in any way. A lot of us would even let our imaginations be consumed by it to satisfy the feelings of anger we have.

Sadly, we're not always granted the opportunity or even allowed the chance to do that. Most of the time, we're only forced to choke it down and hope for the best for justice in this world.

As they say though, "Forgive but never forget."

We can let it all go to karma but forgetting isn't really something a lot of us are good at especially when it comes to injustices committed against us. Even if it were something that happened when we were toddlers, it would stay in our memories.

Sometimes, these memories would even shape the perception of some people or completely change the direction they were going in life.

On Reddit, someone asked users what bitter experiences have remained with them and still have them feeling salty about it no matter how much time has passed and people delivered. Here are the best ones:

1. This is such a disgrace to the song and a disrespect to its people

aerohail

2. The irony of our world can sometimes be utterly disgusting

thelibrarygirl

3. An additional fact is they actually shared the award with an organization and they still could have shared it with the woman but they didn't

[deleted]

The Role of Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance theory, pioneered by Leon Festinger, explains the discomfort individuals feel when they hold conflicting beliefs or engage in behavior that contradicts their values. When someone experiences an injustice, such as being wronged in a relationship or at work, they often struggle with feelings of anger and betrayal. This internal conflict can lead to a desire for revenge or justice, as individuals seek to align their beliefs about fairness with their emotional experiences. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that individuals who feel they have been wronged often engage in mental simulations of retribution, which can temporarily alleviate the discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance.

However, this focus on revenge can be detrimental over time, leading to ruminative thoughts and increased levels of anxiety. Addressing these feelings through understanding the root of cognitive dissonance can help individuals find healthier coping mechanisms.

4. We hope that ass always slams his toe on the table leg and gets pooped on by every bird he passes

Just_Red_00

5. This babysitter deserves to never be lucky in life

mizzbates

6. Teachers who don't really care about their students are just the worst

[deleted]

Anger is a natural emotional response to injustice, and it can manifest in various ways, including frustration, resentment, and even physical aggression. Research indicates that expressing anger can have both positive and negative consequences. Dr. James Gross, a renowned emotion regulation researcher, explains that while expressing anger can sometimes be cathartic, it often perpetuates a cycle of negativity and can strain relationships. Instead, he suggests utilizing emotion regulation strategies, such as reappraisal, which involves reinterpreting a situation to alter its emotional impact. According to Gross' findings, individuals who practice reappraisal report higher levels of emotional well-being and lower levels of aggression over time.

7. We hope this person learned their lesson and never got tricked like that ever again

CursesandMutterings

8. Who cares what the other moms think? It's good this mom got her kid out of danger.

intoon

intoon

Understanding the Psychology of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a complex psychological process that can lead to emotional healing after interpersonal injustices. According to Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It allows you to let go of the past and move forward." Individuals who practice forgiveness often report lower levels of anxiety and depression, as this process helps them release grudges and resentment that can otherwise consume their mental energy and inhibit personal growth. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes that "forgiveness is essential for healthy relationships," and outlines a four-step model: (1) Uncover the anger, (2) Decide to forgive, (3) Work on forgiveness, and (4) Release from emotional pain.

Implementing this model can help those feeling 'salty' about past injustices move toward emotional freedom, fostering improved relationships and overall well-being.

9. Sometimes, your role model can be the person to disappoint you the most

[deleted]

[deleted]

10. Some people need to realize that not all cake is meant to be shared

Indian_Queen

Victim mentality can often arise in response to perceived injustices, leading individuals to view themselves as perpetual victims of circumstance. According to research conducted by Dr. Carol Dweck at Stanford University, this mindset is tied to what she terms a 'fixed mindset'—the belief that one's abilities and circumstances are unchangeable. Individuals with a victim mentality may struggle with feelings of helplessness and may find it difficult to take proactive steps to improve their situations. Transitioning to a growth mindset, where individuals recognize their capacity for change and resilience, is vital for overcoming the negative effects of perceived injustices.

Encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting can empower individuals to reclaim their narrative and foster a sense of agency in their lives.

11. It's obvious they just didn't want to give their piano to their child

Auntie_Ahem

12. The side-eye things is a small form of every day revenge

LadyGingerGiant

13. This is just some evil stepmom kind of stuff

blueeyesredlipstick

The Impact of Social Comparison

Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own worth based on comparisons with others. This phenomenon can be particularly pronounced in situations of injustice, where individuals may feel they have been wronged compared to their peers. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology indicates that feelings of injustice can be amplified when individuals compare themselves to others who seem to be thriving despite similar circumstances. This can lead to increased feelings of resentment and bitterness, often referred to as 'envy.' By fostering self-compassion and mindfulness practices, individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of these comparisons, focusing instead on their own growth and achievements.

14. Some teachers need to be taught to be not know-it-alls because obviously, they don't

QueueJumpersMustDie

15. This is classic sibling stuff at its best. It's just unfortunate if you're on the receiving end.

Glutes4DSloots

Glutes4DSloots

Emotional regulation is crucial when dealing with feelings of injustice. Research has shown that individuals who actively manage their emotions are better equipped to cope with adversity. Dr. Susan David, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the importance of emotional granularity—the ability to differentiate between various emotions. This skill allows individuals to process their feelings more effectively rather than being overwhelmed by a singular emotion like anger or sadness. Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling or mindfulness meditation, can enhance emotional granularity, enabling individuals to respond to injustices with greater clarity and purpose.

16. This mother really took the time to make sure one of her children didn't get to vacation with the family and it's just horrendous

here_involuntarily

17. There are many mean things that kids do but this has got to top the list

orange_cuse

orange_cuse

The Importance of Support Systems

Social support plays a critical role in how individuals cope with feelings of injustice. Research conducted by the American Journal of Community Psychology highlights that strong social networks can buffer the negative emotional effects of perceived injustices. Friends, family, and support groups can provide validation and perspective, helping individuals to process their experiences constructively. Establishing a reliable support system can minimize the feelings of isolation and anger that often accompany being wronged.

Encouragingly, seeking out these connections can lead to better mental health outcomes and resilience in the face of adversity.

18. These are the kind of teachers that make kids hate school

Slow_Toes

19. Rules are almost always broken by the people who set them, unfortunately

connectmc

20. Some teachers clearly weren't acing their tests before they started teaching and wouldn't be acing any tests soon either

imadamastor

Ruminating on injustices can exacerbate feelings of anger and bitterness, making it difficult to move on. Research by Dr. Edward Nolen at the University of Michigan has shown that rumination is linked to prolonged emotional distress and can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. To combat this tendency, individuals can practice mindfulness techniques that promote present-moment awareness, allowing them to acknowledge their feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. Studies indicate that regular mindfulness practice can reduce rumination significantly, leading to improved emotional well-being and resilience.

21. The least employers can do for employees they were letting go is to be clear about the reason

wittyname83

22. These are the kinds of companies that don't know professionalism

MetropolisPt31

23. We know the customer isn't always right but there are times service people should give them the benefit of the doubt and not be rude about it

PM_ME_UR_BOOBSICLES

Navigating Injustice Through Empathy

Empathy can play a transformative role in how individuals process feelings of injustice. Research from Dr. Mark Davis at the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that empathetic engagement not only fosters understanding of others' perspectives but can also reduce feelings of anger associated with personal grievances. By attempting to understand the motivations and circumstances of those who may have caused them harm, individuals can cultivate a more nuanced view of their experiences, potentially reducing the desire for revenge. Practicing empathy involves active listening and open conversations, which can ultimately lead to personal healing and healthier interpersonal dynamics.

24. Teachers should be helping kids and not treating them like crap

Voxcide

25. Teachers can help mold a kid's confidence but they can also be the ones that break it

1boxfox

26. Lesson learned: Pick your HOA wisely

[deleted]

27. This one just proves that no matter how good you do, you're not always going to be a shoe-in

scottevil110

28. This mom is clearly confused on who has the birthday

facesosunny

29. And they said granny didn't have favorites

Folksma

30. We just have to respect everybody's opinion on this

BarcodeNinja

Sometimes, no matter how small the injustice committed against us is, it can be pretty hard to forget because of the effect it had on us. The worst part is that there's very little we can often do about it.

That's why a lot of us become salty. And it's okay.

No matter how much time has passed, if the feelings haven't been forgotten, it's okay to be salty. At least no one's stabbing another person years later, right?

Psychological Analysis

The article highlights a common emotional response—feeling "salty" about past injustices—which speaks to the deep-seated need for fairness and validation in our lives. When people experience wrongs, the natural inclination is to seek justice or revenge, driven by anger and frustration, which can turn into ruminative thoughts if left unchecked. This cycle can negatively impact mental health, making it crucial to foster emotional resilience through strategies like mindfulness and empathy, allowing individuals to process their experiences in healthier ways.

Analysis generated by AI

In summary, the emotional fallout from experiencing injustice can be profound and long-lasting. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health highlights that these patterns of reactivity often benefit from evidence-based interventions, particularly those that encourage emotional regulation and cognitive restructuring. Therapeutic approaches focusing on mindfulness and empathy, as discussed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and others, can help individuals develop greater emotional resilience and flexibility. Ultimately, the journey toward healing from feelings of injustice involves a combination of self-awareness, social support, and active engagement in emotional regulation techniques, paving the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life.