While some couples are able to navigate the process with civility and even maintain a semblance of friendship, more often than not, the bitterness and resentment that builds up over the years come to the forefront.
The story unfolds in late 2017 when the OP's boss's wife had an affair and decided to leave their marital home. As divorce proceedings were set in motion, an incident between the former spouses escalated to the point where court intervention became necessary. To resolve the matter and finalize the divorce, both parties had to meet certain requirements. One such requirement was for the wife to walk through the house and compile a detailed inventory of all her possessions.
What happened next was an extraordinary display of pettiness. The wife meticulously listed down every item inside the house, from dish towels and paper plate holders to pots and curtains, demanding half of everything. However, there was a catch. Since she had spent the past few months stealing belongings from the house, she was prohibited from packing anything herself. Enter the OP, who, as her boss's personal assistant, took on the task of packing and organizing the wife's items. Knowing the situation and fueled by a desire to match the wife's pettiness, the OP made sure to give her the undesirable halves of the requested items. Additionally, if a specific item wasn't explicitly stated on the list, it was purposefully omitted, even if it logically belonged to another packed item.
When the wife received her belongings, the husband then found himself on the receiving end of a lengthy letter via her lawyer. They had to painstakingly go through the entire list, explaining that she had indeed received exactly what she had asked for. Though unable to prove any wrongdoing, the wife has refused to let go of the matter. Even now, well after their divorce was finalized in 2019, she continues to occasionally send emails to her ex-husband, demanding the return of items she believes were not provided.
Users on Reddit applauded the OP for her actions and even hailed her as a hero. Some even shared similar stories of their own. Some suggested that it would have been even better if the OP had literally cut all the requested items in half. However, the OP pointed out that such destruction would have hurt her boss and complicated the situation further.
In an interview with the OP, she admitted that the ex-wife continues to harbor resentment to this day, with emails arriving as recently as a couple of months ago. Fortunately, the ex-wife hasn't found other avenues to cause trouble for the boss, and there have been no significant developments since the divorce was finalized. Looking back on her actions, the OP expressed that she would make the same choices if she had to go through it again, highlighting her careful selection of actions to avoid any legal consequences.
The level of pettiness displayed by the ex-wife in this story is truly extraordinary. It's rare to witness someone so unwilling to admit defeat or let go after their demands have been met. It serves as a reminder that moving on from a divorce is not always easy, especially when emotions are running high and possessions become symbols of control and power. However, dwelling on such pettiness for years on end is unhealthy and ultimately unproductive.
While this story has garnered significant attention, the OP herself is surprised by the overwhelming response, although she recognizes that the tale possesses the perfect elements to resonate with people who appreciate a touch of pettiness in the world of petty revenge.
In the end, divorce is undoubtedly a challenging process for all parties involved. It's natural to feel hurt, angry, and vengeful, but it's also essential to find an eventual path to healing and resolution. Holding onto grievances for years on end only perpetuates negativity and inhibits personal growth. So, if you find yourself caught in the grip of pettiness, it might be time to reevaluate your approach to life and seek healthier ways to move forward.
Have you ever encountered such extreme pettiness? What are your thoughts on this story? We'd love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below!
