Sometimes when someone does you wrong, the usual “rise above it” advice just doesn’t cut it.
A little harmless payback can feel oddly satisfying, so long as it really doesn’t seriously hurt someone, and you move on after. Assuming you’re just being petty rather than outright vindictive, here are some light-hearted ways to get even.
1. Casually “forget” something important.
When they ask you to remind them of something crucial, like a deadline or an event, “accidentally” miss it. You can play innocent if they bring it up later. It’s a small slip, but it puts the ball back in their court. Sometimes, letting someone feel the consequences of their own forgetfulness is satisfying. Plus, it gives them a taste of life without your helpful reminders.
2. Unsubscribe them from mailing lists they actually enjoy.
If they get a lot of enjoyment from a certain newsletter or brand emails, unsubscribing them can be an amusing, subtle form of payback. They won’t notice until they start missing their updates. It’s harmless but can cause a bit of confusion and annoyance. This is a quiet way to disrupt their routine without causing real harm. It’s a sneaky form of revenge that just feels petty enough to be satisfying.
3. Take your time replying.
If they’re used to quick responses from you, slow it down. Delay your replies just enough to make them wonder if you’re even reading their messages. It’s a small act, but it can subtly remind them that your attention isn’t guaranteed. You’re still communicating, just not on their terms. This delay might make them realise that instant responses aren’t a given.
4. “Forget” to tag them in photos.
When you post group photos or memories, conveniently skip tagging them. It’s harmless but slightly annoying, especially if they like to be in the spotlight. They’ll probably have to awkwardly ask to be tagged if they want the recognition. It’s a subtle way to leave them out just a little. Sometimes, the simplest snubs are the most satisfying.
5. Redirect them to annoying spam pages.
If they ask for a link to something, send them a link to a long-winded page that seems relevant but turns out to be spammy. It’s not harmful, but it can definitely be a bit frustrating. Watching them navigate useless pages might feel oddly satisfying. It’s a quick reminder that they can’t always rely on you for the right answer. Plus, it’s a harmless way to let them feel the annoyance they might’ve caused you.
6. Give vague, unhelpful answers.
When they come to you with questions, respond with the vaguest answers possible. They’ll feel like they’re talking in circles trying to get more information. This subtle lack of clarity can be strangely effective in throwing them off. You’re technically helping, but just barely enough to make it frustrating. It’s a funny way to keep them wondering if they’ll ever get a straight answer.
7. Borrow something and “forget” to return it.
If they’re always borrowing your things without returning them, this is a gentle way to return the favour. Borrow something small, like a pen or charger, and then casually “forget” to give it back. It’s minor but noticeable, and it may make them think twice before “borrowing” from you. Sometimes, turnabout is fair play. It’s a little reminder that it’s not cool to constantly take but never give back.
8. Correct their grammar in the most public way possible.
If they’re constantly pointing out your mistakes, beat them at their own game by correcting their grammar in front of other people. It’s harmless but can be just embarrassing enough to make them pause. You don’t need to go overboard—just a gentle nudge here and there. This tiny call-out can be satisfying if they tend to act superior. It’s a quiet way to remind them nobody’s perfect.
9. Pretend not to hear them.
When they’re talking to you, act distracted or pretend you didn’t hear them the first time. Make them repeat themselves, and see how quickly they start getting frustrated. It’s not rude—just a little inconvenient. A little selective hearing can make them realise how it feels to be overlooked. This one is about subtly shifting the dynamic in your favour.
10. Send unnecessary “urgent” messages.
If they’re always sending you urgent messages that really aren’t, turn the tables. Send them a few “urgent” notes that turn out to be about minor things, like a funny meme. It’s harmless, but after a few of these, they might start questioning their own habits. A little taste of their own medicine might make them rethink their approach. Plus, it’s fun to watch them get worked up over nothing.
11. Rearrange their things ever so slightly.
If you’re in their space often, try moving a few small items around—nothing major, just enough to make them wonder if they’re imagining it. They’ll likely notice, but they won’t have a clue what’s going on. It’s all in good fun and causes no harm. Sometimes, the smallest disruptions are the most satisfying. It’s a harmless way to make them feel slightly off-balance.
12. Act overly polite and formal.
If they’ve been rude, respond by being extremely polite and formal in your interactions. It throws people off when you’re overly cordial, especially if they’re expecting attitude. Staying polite keeps things light but can make them feel a little silly if they’re trying to provoke you. This can be surprisingly effective at defusing their rudeness. It’s a reminder that kindness can be disarming.
13. Give them a taste of the silent treatment.
Sometimes, a little silence says a lot. Take a break from talking to them, only responding when necessary, and let them feel the weight of your absence. This isn’t about ignoring them entirely, just creating a little distance. People often don’t realise what they have until it’s missing. A bit of silence can make them wonder if they took you for granted.
14. Flood them with “helpful” advice.
If they’re always offering unsolicited advice, start giving them an overload of your own “helpful” tips. Pick any random topic and just go all-in with tips and suggestions, even if they didn’t ask. It’s harmless but amusingly ironic. This can help them see how it feels to be on the receiving end. Overloading them with advice might make them rethink offering theirs so freely.
15. Sign them up for overly enthusiastic newsletters.
If they’ve annoyed you, sign them up for newsletters that are a bit, well, over-the-top. Maybe it’s a fitness regimen or an inspirational daily quote—nothing spammy, just something they’ll find a bit much. They’ll have to deal with unsubscribing or seeing constant emails. It’s a harmless way to fill their inbox. Plus, they might learn to be a bit more considerate with their own interactions.
16. Drop “innocent” hints about their habits.
Casually mention little habits they have, like talking over people or not listening, as if you’re just making an observation. You’re not calling them out directly, just planting a small seed of awareness. It’s a subtle way of letting them know you’ve noticed. Sometimes, the smallest comments make people more aware of their own behaviour. It’s a low-key way to give them a nudge toward self-reflection.
