Man Goes Extra Length To Get Revenge On His Drunk Neighbours Who Got Cat And Won't Let Him Sleep
In today's modern world, a significant number of homes have pets. Therefore, there's a considerable chance that a landlord will occasionally encounter a prospective tenant who has a pet.
Pet fees can be structured in various ways to safeguard the landlord and rental property while attracting good tenants. A landlord should take some precautions before requesting a pet deposit from a renter, even though having a pet-friendly property has several benefits.
In case you didn't know, pet fees are a nonrefundable sum charged to a renter who has a pet to cover any potential damages the pet may cause. The OP of today's story ensured that his neighbors paid their pet fee, and here's how:
The OP has next-door neighbors who are quite loud, primarily in the evening when the OP is trying to sleep. They usually get drunk and sing while playing their poor-quality guitar.
These neighbors went ahead and got a new cat, keeping the OP up past 1 a.m. They did this by meowing back at the cat every time it meowed, egging it on to meow more.
The OP had to text the apartment manager, asking if he had seen the neighbor's new cat. Indirectly, the OP brought this to the manager's attention, which means that his neighbors will be charged a monthly pet fee.
And here is the headline

OP's loud neighbours got a new cat last night and they kept OP up past 1am

Understanding the Psychology of Revenge
Dr. Emily Harper, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, explains that revenge often stems from feelings of powerlessness and frustration.
When individuals perceive that their boundaries have been violated, as in the case of the noisy neighbors, they may resort to petty revenge as a way to regain a sense of control.
This behavior can be linked to psychological concepts like retribution and justice restoration, where individuals seek to balance perceived unfairness in their lives.
Manager can't hear the loud noises either because he is in another building

Instead of constantly trying to work out peace with the neighbours, the OP does petty things

The Psychology of Revenge
Engaging in acts of revenge, even petty ones, can often be traced back to feelings of powerlessness and frustration. As noted by Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, "Revenge is a way to regain a sense of control and justice, often stemming from deeper emotional issues like inadequacy or exclusion." Moreover, the act of seeking revenge can activate the brain's reward centers, providing a temporary feeling of satisfaction. However, this satisfaction is often fleeting and can lead to a cycle of negative emotions, including guilt and shame, as emphasized by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, who states, "The quest for revenge can ultimately leave individuals feeling more isolated and remorseful."
We've gathered some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below

This Redditor considered it a well-played and devious move

Research indicates that while revenge can provide a temporary sense of satisfaction, it often leads to increased feelings of anger and resentment. According to Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, "Revenge may feel rewarding in the short term, but it ultimately undermines our emotional well-being." Engaging in revenge does not resolve underlying conflicts and can perpetuate a cycle of negativity, as noted by Dr. John Gottman, who states, "The choice to retaliate only serves to deepen the rifts in our relationships." Understanding this can help individuals realize that healthier approaches, such as open communication and setting boundaries, may lead to more constructive outcomes.
The OP wouldn't have done that if they were respectful of the living space

It's really a petty revenge

From a behavioral standpoint, the situation highlights a classic example of social learning. Researchers like Albert Bandura have shown that our environments heavily influence our behaviors. If an individual witnesses others successfully retaliating against perceived injustices, they may be more likely to imitate that behavior. This imitation can be especially pronounced in communities where aggression is normalized as a coping strategy.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consider how social environments shape our responses to conflicts and grievances, often perpetuating cycles of retaliation.
What if they choose to get rid of the pet instead?

The story can't just end at a place, can it?

The OP left this edit later on to clear some certain things
AND for the record: I LOVE CATS! If they played with it all f*cking day long until 11 p.m. or something, I would NEVER say anything. (Even if they were drunkenly singing to their cat during the daytime)
I'd like to thank everyone for painting me as the bad guy when all I wanted was more than 4 hours of sleep. Seriously, people, come on...
Sleeping with a fan to drown other noises

This Redditor wants to know the OP's state and region

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Behavior
Dr. Amy Li, a sleep researcher at Stanford University, highlights the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on emotional regulation.
When people lose sleep, their ability to manage stress and respond thoughtfully diminishes, which can exacerbate feelings of irritability and aggression.
This physiological response can explain why someone might react with revengeful behavior when their sleep is disrupted, as their capacity for rational decision-making is impaired.
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates a common psychological response to perceived threats to one's comfort and peace. When individuals feel disturbed by external factors, it often leads to impulsive actions aimed at regaining control. It's essential to recognize these impulses for what they are—responses to emotional distress that can be addressed through healthier coping mechanisms.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The patterns observed in this situation reflect deeply rooted psychological mechanisms that drive human behavior. As noted by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "Understanding our emotional triggers is essential for fostering healthier interactions and personal growth." With the right strategies, individuals can learn to navigate conflicts constructively rather than destructively, as emphasized by James Clear, author and habits expert, who states, "Small changes can lead to remarkable results in how we handle our relationships and conflicts."
Psychological Analysis
What we're seeing here is a classic example of emotional dysregulation under stress, where the person's capacity to manage their emotional responses becomes overwhelmed.
This reaction is normal when someone feels their psychological safety is threatened, especially if they have a history of feeling powerless in interpersonal situations.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, understanding the motivations behind revenge can empower individuals to choose healthier responses to conflict.
Research suggests that fostering empathy and communication skills can significantly reduce the urge for retaliation and promote more satisfying resolutions.
The Emotional Costs of Petty Revenge
While seeking revenge might provide a short-term emotional boost, the long-term consequences can be detrimental to mental health. Research indicates that holding onto anger and resentment can lead to chronic stress, which has both psychological and physiological repercussions. A study published in Psychological Bulletin found that individuals who engaged in vengeful thoughts experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression.
To mitigate these negative outcomes, it’s essential for individuals to explore healthier coping mechanisms. Mindfulness techniques, for instance, can help in processing feelings of anger and frustration without resorting to revenge.
Furthermore, studies show that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to long-term psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
A clinical psychologist notes that individuals in such states are more likely to engage in dysfunctional coping mechanisms, which may explain the lengths this person went to for revenge.
Addressing sleep hygiene could be a vital step in breaking this cycle of negative behavior.
A practical approach to dealing with these feelings involves reframing the narrative surrounding the perceived injustice. Instead of viewing the situation solely through the lens of victimhood, individuals can benefit from cognitive restructuring, a technique commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). By challenging negative thoughts and focusing on personal growth, individuals can redirect their energy toward constructive outcomes rather than destructive behaviors.
Engaging in open dialogue with the offending party, if feasible, can also be a powerful way to resolve underlying tensions without resorting to revenge.
If these neighbors wanted a cat, then they should have known that their expenses would go up. If they don't want extra expenses, then they shouldn't have bought the cat in the first place.
The OP even said that these neighbors already have 2 dogs, and that costs only $5.00 a month since it's not a one-time fee. Drop your opinions about this story in the comments section below.
Building Healthy Boundaries
Establishing firm personal boundaries is essential in preventing situations that may lead to feelings of victimization and, subsequently, revenge. According to clinical psychologists, understanding one’s limits and communicating them effectively can foster healthier relationships. Studies suggest that individuals who practice assertiveness are better equipped to handle interpersonal conflicts without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
By prioritizing self-care and setting clear boundaries, individuals can protect their emotional well-being and reduce the likelihood of negative interactions in the future.