FAFO in the Parking Lot: How One Tenant Served Up a Spot of Petty Revenge
Picture this: You’ve had a long day at work. Maybe you’re dreaming about collapsing onto your couch, embracing your cat, or just binge-watching your favorite show. But as you pull into your apartment complex, a cold realization hits—someone is parked in your assigned spot. Not just any spot, but your spot. The one you pay for. The one that’s supposed to be your oasis in a sea of parking chaos.
Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. And in one legendary Reddit tale, a tenant took this all-too-common scenario and served up a delicious dish of petty revenge.
The Parking Predicament: Three Spots, 72 Units, and a Whole Lot of Nerve
Let’s set the stage: Our hero (Redditor u/Reverbolo) lives in an apartment community where guest parking is scarcer than a polite honk in rush hour traffic. Three buildings, 72 apartments, and—wait for it—three guest spots. That’s one guest spot per building. It’s basically The Hunger Games, but with SUVs and sedans.
Now, street parking exists, but we all know what that means: a five-minute hike with groceries, or rolling the dice on a ticket. So when our protagonist pulled in one evening and found a stranger’s car in their reserved spot, the rage was real. But rather than leave a passive-aggressive note or fume quietly, u/Reverbolo remembered the golden rule of their lease: If someone’s in your stall, call the tow truck.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Call the Tow Truck
Some apartment complexes try to duck responsibility when it comes to parking disputes, but not this one. The management practically handed out the towing company’s number with the welcome packet and sent out regular reminders: “See a stranger in your spot? Don’t hesitate—tow away!”
So that’s exactly what our protagonist did. A quick phone call, a bit of waiting, and poof—the offending car was gone, just like magic (or, more accurately, like a flatbed in the night).
Schadenfreude in the Parking Lot
But the story doesn’t end with a reclaimed parking space. When u/Reverbolo ventured out later, they stumbled onto a scene straight from a sitcom: three generations—a grandma, a mom, and a frantic daughter—milling around the now-empty spot, visibly distressed. The daughter, on the verge of panic, blurted out, “Oh shit! Where’s my car? I have to be at work in an hour!”
One of them turned to our hero and asked, “Do you know the number for the towing company?” With the calm composure of someone who knows exactly what’s up, u/Reverbolo replied, “I do not, but good luck!” before casually checking their mail and heading back inside, satisfaction radiating from every pore.
Why This Story Resonates: The Universal Struggle for Parking Justice
Let’s be honest: Parking wars are a universal experience for anyone who’s ever lived in an apartment complex. There’s something primal about your parking spot. It’s more than just convenience—it’s a symbol of order in an otherwise chaotic world. When someone takes it, it feels like a personal affront.
But what makes this story so satisfying isn’t just the petty revenge—it’s the perfect blend of rules, consequences, and that sweet, sweet moment of “I told you so.” The apartment’s towing policy wasn’t just for show, and the hapless car thief (even if accidental) learned a lesson the hard way.
And let’s not ignore the cherry on top: Our protagonist didn’t gloat, didn’t rub it in, just offered a polite non-answer and went about their day. That’s the art of petty revenge—just enough to right the wrong, without stooping to actual malice.
Moral of the Story: Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes
As u/Reverbolo so aptly put it: “FAFO, play stupid games get stupid prizes and all of that.” If you’re ever tempted to park in someone else’s spot, remember—you might just find yourself searching for your car while your neighbors watch with barely concealed satisfaction.
So, what’s your best petty revenge story? Have you ever had to call the tow truck on an interloper, or maybe been on the receiving end of some parking lot justice? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your tales of triumph (or defeat) in the great parking wars!
And remember: In the battle for parking, sometimes the pettiest revenge is the sweetest.
Inspired by this Reddit post by u/Reverbolo, r/PettyRevenge.
Original Reddit Post: Petty revenge for parking in my spot