Lipstick, Lattes, and a Dash of Petty: How One Brunch Became the Ultimate Breakup Revenge
Breakups are rarely clean, but sometimes the aftermath is sparkling—unless you’re the one stuck scrubbing lipstick off 30 glasses. On the grand stage of romantic revenge, some people go big with elaborate plans, while others settle for sweet, subtle satisfaction. Today’s tale, straight from the annals of Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge, proves you don’t need to be a Bond villain to serve up a memorable lesson. Sometimes, all it takes is a brunch reservation, a little lipstick, and a thirst for justice (or juice).
Let’s set the scene: a group of teenage friends, the sting of a breakup, and a dishwasher’s most-hated chore. The result? A brunch outing so petty and perfect, it’s still being savored 15 years later.
How to Turn a Breakup into a Brunch Battle
Our story begins with the classic teenage heartbreak. The original poster (u/Quiet-Inspector-8209) recalls their friend’s boyfriend breaking up with her in a way that could only be described as “dumb teenager stuff.” The specifics are lost to history, but the emotional fallout was real and raw. What’s a friend group to do? Sure, you could binge rom-coms and ice cream—but why not get creative?
Here’s where things get deliciously petty. The ex-boyfriend worked as a part-time dishwasher at a local restaurant. During his many dish-soaked rants, he’d revealed his personal nemesis: glasses with lipstick stains. For him, lipstick wasn’t just a cosmetic—it was a curse. The stuff clung to glass like heartbreak to a pop song, refusing to budge no matter how much you scrubbed.
So, what did our heroes do? They hatched a plan that would make even the most seasoned petty-revenge artist proud. On a Saturday morning—when they knew their target was on shift—they trooped into the restaurant and ordered every beverage under the sun: juices, smoothies, coffees, waters, you name it. But before taking a sip, they’d apply a thick, fresh coat of lipstick, ensuring each glass was left with a signature red (or pink, or purple) ring.
The Art (and Science) of Petty Revenge
Maybe you’re thinking, “Isn’t that a bit much?” But that’s the beauty of petty revenge—it’s not about grand gestures or life-ruining consequences. It’s about that tiny, satisfying moment when the universe feels just a little bit more balanced. Plus, as any lipstick-wearer (or glass-washer) can attest, getting those stains off is no joke. It’s the dishwashing equivalent of running a marathon with gum stuck to your shoe.
What makes this story so relatable is how it captures the essence of friendship. When you’re down, your friends don’t just listen to you—they get mad on your behalf. They plot, they plan, and sometimes, they storm the brunch scene armed with the brightest tubes of lipstick they can find. They turn pain into laughter, and heartbreak into a hilarious weekend memory.
Why We Love Stories Like This
Let’s be honest: most of us have fantasized about exacting some small, harmless revenge on someone who’s wronged us—especially when we (or our friends) have been dumped, ghosted, or otherwise let down. While we might not all have the guts to follow through, reading stories like this is oddly cathartic. It reminds us that sometimes, life really does give you the chance to serve cold (or in this case, room-temperature) justice.
Plus, there’s something universally satisfying about outsmarting someone in a way that’s clever, harmless, and just a little bit wicked. No glasses were harmed in the making of this revenge—only egos and, perhaps, one dishwasher’s Saturday morning.
The Last Sip
So, next time a breakup leaves you or your friend feeling blue, remember: there’s always room for a little harmless pettiness. Whether it’s lipstick on a glass or sprinkles on a sundae, sometimes the best way to mend a broken heart is with laughter—and maybe a little mess.
Got a story about a petty act of revenge (or just a killer brunch order)? Share it in the comments below! Let’s toast to the creative ways we get through heartbreak—and the friends who make it all a little bit easier (and a lot more fun).
What’s the pettiest (but harmless) revenge you’ve ever witnessed or plotted? Drop your stories, and let’s keep the brunch banter going!
Original Reddit Post: My friend's BF broke up with her, enjoy washing all those glasses