Shoveling snow for cash seems like an easy gig until someone pulls a fast one on you. After one guy cleared a driveway for a lady and was stiffed on payment, he decided to turn the tables in the best way possible.
Determined to get the last laugh, he borrowed a snowblower from a friend and took matters into his own hands. What started as a simple job turned into a hilarious moment of revenge that left the woman regretting her decision to ghost him.
After shoveling snow for free, a man gets revenge by blasting the driveway with a snowblower
In moments of frustration, it’s easy to understand why someone might lash out. The OP in this story was simply trying to earn some extra cash after a snowstorm by shoveling driveways, only to find themselves scammed by a woman who had promised payment but then refused to acknowledge their work.
Anyone would be upset in this situation, especially after putting in hard work for an agreed-upon price. The emotional dynamics at play here are rooted in the sense of injustice, the OP put in effort, expecting fairness in return, and was met with deceit instead.
From a psychological perspective, the OP’s actions, returning to the woman’s house and using a snow blower to dump the snow back on her yard, are a classic example of what Dr. David DeSteno, a social psychologist at Northeastern University, describes as “revenge for justice.”
In his research, DeSteno explains that when we are wronged, especially when we feel taken advantage of, revenge can feel morally justified. It serves to balance the scales in our minds and can give a sense of control over a situation where we feel powerless.
The OP’s decision to take revenge wasn’t just about getting even; it was about feeling like their work mattered and that the woman should face some consequence for her actions.
However, this type of retaliation, while emotionally satisfying in the short term, can have longer-term consequences. Dr. Robert Cialdini, a renowned expert on influence and persuasion, points out that while revenge may feel good momentarily, it rarely leads to true resolution. In fact, it can escalate conflict, leaving both parties stuck in a cycle of animosity.
Cialdini suggests that healthier resolutions come from addressing conflicts directly, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in open communication. The OP’s choice to act out of frustration, though understandable, likely only deepened the conflict with the woman, rather than fostering any constructive outcome.
Dr. Laura Berman, a psychotherapist, advises that when we’re wronged, it’s important to address our emotions directly with the person involved. Instead of seeking revenge, Berman suggests that a calm, firm conversation about the issue can be far more empowering and lead to better emotional outcomes.
In this case, the OP might have been better served by reaching out to the woman to explain how their actions made them feel and to request the payment they were owed. This approach not only maintains dignity but also avoids further conflict.
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
This group shared stories of seeking petty revenge
These commenters debated the merits of snowblowers and the consequences of not negotiating prices
This group recounted instances of frustration with unfair pay for snow shoveling
These commenters shared personal snow shoveling stories
What would you have done in this situation? Would you have given the woman a taste of her own medicine, or would you have just walked away? Share your thoughts below!
