How One Melbourne Tenant Served a Cold, Two-Day Lesson in Parking Etiquette
Picture this: you’ve come home after a long day, visions of your comfy couch dancing in your head, only to find some serial offender has nabbed your precious parking spot—again. Rage simmers. You fantasize about elaborate paybacks, but rarely do such opportunities present themselves quite so perfectly as they did for one Melbourne apartment dweller. What followed was a two-day standoff that’s equal parts satisfying, petty, and brilliantly executed.
The Audacity of (Parking) Hope
Reddit user u/Commercial_Stick1826, a resident of bustling Melbourne, Australia, had endured more than enough from his cheeky neighbor—a man who repeatedly parked in the OP’s reserved basement spot. Each confrontation ended the same: the neighbor would laugh off the complaint and promise to move “quickly.” Spoiler: he never did. If you’ve ever lived in a shared building, you know this brand of disregard isn’t just inconvenient; it’s infuriating.
But fate—or perhaps karma—had a plan, and it involved the city’s most notorious long weekend: the Melbourne Cup. As if by cosmic design, the neighbor once again parked his car squarely in the OP’s spot, probably figuring it would be business as usual. Not today, mate.
Checkmate Down Under
Instead of finding another spot or waiting it out, our hero decided to deliver a lesson in boundary-setting that would echo through the halls (and underground garages) of Melbourne forever. He parked directly behind the neighbor’s car, effectively locking it in. When the neighbor came knocking, demanding the car be moved, OP donned his best “helpless” face and spun a tale worthy of an Oscar: “I can’t find my keys! Been searching for an hour! Locksmiths want $500 for a public holiday callout—unless you want to pay, you’ll have to wait… two days.”
The neighbor’s bravado evaporated. He threatened police intervention, but OP shrugged it off. “You’re the one stuck in my spot. Call whoever you want—I don’t give a shit.” Checkmate.
For two glorious days, the neighbor’s car sat imprisoned, taunted by the empty promise of a quick getaway. The OP, no doubt, enjoyed every minute of his newfound power.
Lessons in Petty Revenge (and Apartment Etiquette)
What makes this story so immensely satisfying isn’t just the sweet taste of karmic justice—it’s how perfectly proportional the revenge was to the original offense. No property was damaged, no laws were broken. Instead, OP weaponized patience and creativity, delivering a consequence that fit the crime. And let’s face it: if you’re bold enough to repeatedly steal a reserved spot, a brief stint in “car jail” is probably overdue.
But there are deeper lessons here for anyone navigating the treacherous waters of communal living:
- Respect Shared Spaces: Whether it’s parking, laundry, or common rooms, a little courtesy goes a long way. Don’t be the neighbor people tell stories about.
- Pick Your Battles (and Your Moments): Sometimes, the universe hands you the perfect opportunity to make a point. When it does, don’t be afraid to seize it—with style.
- Petty Isn’t Always Bad: While we’re taught to turn the other cheek, sometimes a dose of harmless, petty revenge is just what the doctor ordered for repeat offenders.
The Aftermath: A Spot Secured and a Neighbor Schooled
After two days, the OP “miraculously” found his keys, and the neighbor, pale and fuming, stomped away—hopefully forever changed. Since then, not once has the offender parked in the wrong spot. Sometimes, the best way to teach an adult is with a lesson they’ll never forget.
So next time you find your spot stolen or your patience tested in the halls of shared living, remember: a little creativity and a lot of nerve can go a long way. And if karma needs a hand, don’t be afraid to give it a gentle nudge.
What’s your best petty revenge story? Would you have done the same? Share your tales of apartment living justice in the comments—let’s commiserate and celebrate a win for the little guy!
Original Reddit Post: The Two Day Driveway Lesson