How a Teen Outsmarted Her Dad’s Phone Punishments with a Cigarette Heist
If you’ve ever been a teenager with a strict parent, you know the pain of having your phone snatched away for the most trivial offenses. For many of us, losing our phone feels like losing a limb—or at least a direct line to all civilization. But what if there were a way to end the tyranny of parental phone confiscation once and for all? Redditor u/randomgirlout might just have cracked the code with a petty, yet brilliant, act of revenge.
Her story, which recently caught fire on r/PettyRevenge, is a masterclass in fighting fire with fire—or, in this case, nicotine with notification deprivation. Let’s dive in.
Picture this: a 13-year-old girl, minding her own business (well, probably scrolling through TikTok or texting her friends about the latest middle school drama), when her dad swoops in and snatches her phone—again. No explanation, no warning, just another “Do as I say” moment from a parent who seems to delight in doling out random punishments.
But this time, our heroine decides enough is enough.
A Phone for a Cig: The Art of Petty Negotiation
Armed with righteous indignation and the resourcefulness only a frustrated teenager can muster, she crafts a plan: “If he takes my phone, I’ll take what HE loves most.” The target? Her dad’s cigarettes. Armed with a keen eye for hiding spots (and the stealth of a cat burglar), she raids his jacket, purse, and bedroom, collecting every pack she can find and tucking them away where they’ll never see the light of day.
Dad, predictably, panics. Cigarettes aren’t just a habit for him—they’re a lifeline. As he frantically searches, she lays out her terms: return my phone, and you’ll get your precious cigs back. Suddenly, the tables have turned. The power dynamic has shifted. For once, it’s dad who’s at the mercy of his child’s whims.
And the best part? It works. Not just once, but every single time he tries to play the confiscation card. Eventually, dad gets the message: every phone stolen equals a cigarette pack gone missing. The result? He stops taking the phone away altogether. Touché, teenager. Touché.
The Science of Sweet, Petty Revenge
Now, let’s talk about why this story resonates with so many (558 upvotes and counting!). At its core, it’s a tale as old as time: the battle for control between parent and child. Every family has a version of this dance, whether it’s about screen time, homework, or chores. But what makes this story stand out is the sheer audacity and cleverness of the response.
It’s not just about getting even; it’s about making the punishment fit the “crime.” Dad’s love for cigarettes mirrors the daughter’s attachment to her phone. By targeting something equally important to him, she doesn’t just retaliate—she teaches a lesson in empathy, making him experience firsthand the frustration he so casually imposed.
Of course, this approach isn’t for everyone (as the OP wisely notes—don’t try this if your dad is the wrathful type!). But it’s a reminder that sometimes, a little creativity and a touch of pettiness can be a powerful force for change.
Not-So-Spoiled, Just Tired of Being the Family Butler
Before anyone accuses our hero of being a spoiled brat, let’s set the record straight: this wasn’t about wanting to dodge chores or shirk responsibilities. As she explains, she’d already done her tasks. The real issue? A dad who loved to make her his “personal slave,” never letting her catch a break. Her retaliation wasn’t about entitlement—it was about demanding a little respect and autonomy.
And who among us hasn’t felt that urge, at least once, to stand up to an unfair rule or arbitrary punishment?
Lessons from the Ashes (or the Ashtray)
So what can we learn from this saga of phone and cigarette warfare?
- Empathy matters: For both parents and kids, remembering what it feels like to be on the receiving end can go a long way.
- Negotiation can be creative: Sometimes, the best way to change the rules is to play the game differently.
- Petty doesn’t mean pointless: A small act of defiance can spark a surprisingly big change.
Ready for Your Own Petty Revenge?
Have you ever pulled off a legendary act of petty revenge? Or maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of one! Share your stories in the comments below—let’s commiserate, laugh, and maybe pick up a few tips for the next time someone tries to mess with our phones.
And to the parents reading: remember, if you take the phone, you might just lose your cigs, snacks, or—heaven forbid—remote control.
Stay clever, stay petty, and never underestimate a determined teenager!
Original Reddit Post: Petty revenge on dad