How One Nurse Taught Her Parking-Obsessed Neighbor a $300 Lesson in Driveway Etiquette

Picture this: It’s late at night, you’ve just finished a grueling 12-hour shift saving lives, your feet ache, your stomach is rumbling, and all you can think about is that precious takeout waiting in your passenger seat. You turn onto your peaceful cul-de-sac, only to find your driveway—your sanctuary—commandeered by a hulking white SUV that isn’t yours. That delicious dinner just got served cold with a side of frustration.

For one Redditor (u/Gotenks972), this wasn’t a one-off annoyance—it was the final straw in an ongoing saga of neighborly disrespect. And when push came to shove (or, should we say, tow), she delivered a masterclass in petty revenge that cost her neighbor $300 and guaranteed her the last laugh.

When “Just a Sec” Turns Into a Serial Offense

Let’s set the scene. Our protagonist lives in a modest cul-de-sac, in a house with a driveway designed for precisely two cars—hers and her husband’s. It’s the kind of neighborhood where people generally keep to themselves, with the exception of a neighbor we’ll call “Jack.”

At first, the infractions were minor. Jack’s brother parked in her driveway “for a sec.” Then a friend “just dropping something off.” Each time, there was an excuse, a half-hearted apology, and a promise it wouldn’t happen again. But, of course, it did. Again and again.

For anyone who’s experienced this type of passive-aggressive parking trespass, you know the frustration. It’s not just about the inconvenience—it’s about the principle. Your driveway isn’t community property, and after a long day, the last thing you want is to schlep groceries halfway down the block because your neighbor’s buddy needed a more convenient parking spot.

The Boiling Point: Takeout and Tow Trucks

Everything came to a head on a Friday night. Our nurse, exhausted and hungry, pulled up to find Jack’s in-laws’ SUV parked smack in the center of her driveway. No subtlety, no “just off to the side”—just a blatant, entitled block.

Jack’s response when she called? “Just park on the street, it’s not a big deal.”

Well, if it wasn’t a big deal, then surely Jack wouldn’t mind what happened next. Enter: the tow truck. Twenty minutes later, that white SUV was gone, and our nurse was finally able to enjoy her (probably lukewarm) fries in peace.

The Aftermath: A $300 Lesson in Boundaries

You can already imagine the fallout. Furious pounding on the door, red-faced shouting, in-laws in tow (pun intended). Jack accused her of “taking it too far.” Her response? “You told me it wasn’t a big deal, so I treated it like it wasn’t a big deal.”

Mic drop. Door closed.

The kicker? After shelling out nearly $300 to reclaim his in-laws’ car, Jack’s household seems to have learned a valuable lesson in boundaries. Not a single unauthorized vehicle has graced her driveway since—not even “just for a sec.”

Why This Is the Ultimate Petty Revenge

What makes this story so satisfying isn’t just the financial sting; it’s the poetic justice. For weeks, Jack treated the nurse’s property like his own, assuming her patience (and maybe, her profession’s caring nature) meant she’d never push back. But when she did, she played by the book—and made sure the lesson stuck.

It’s a classic case of “don’t mistake kindness for weakness.” Sometimes, reclaiming your space requires a little pettiness and a lot of backbone.

How to Handle Your Own Driveway Drama

If you’re nodding along, thinking of your own “Jack,” here are a few takeaways:

  1. Check Local Laws: Most places let you tow unauthorized vehicles from private driveways, but always verify your city’s rules.
  2. Communicate Clearly: Sometimes, a polite but firm conversation is all it takes. (But, as we see, not always.)
  3. Set Boundaries Early: The longer you let people push your limits, the harder it is to reclaim your space.
  4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Action: No one wants to be the “mean neighbor,” but sometimes you have to stand your ground—especially if you’re doing 12-hour shifts!

Conclusion: What’s Your Petty Revenge Story?

There’s something universally satisfying about seeing justice served with a side of fries. Have you ever had to teach a neighbor, coworker, or even a friend a lesson in boundaries? Share your own tales of petty revenge in the comments below—we promise, we won’t judge (and maybe we’ll even take notes)!

Remember, folks: Your driveway is yours. Don’t let anyone park their problems on your property.

Original Reddit Post: Neighbor kept treating my driveway like free parking, so I taught him a $300 lesson