Swiping Left on Cheaters: How One Woman Served Cold, Petty Revenge on Tinder

Woman reflecting on heartbreak after discovering Tinder cheating in a cinematic setting.
In this cinematic scene, a woman grapples with the emotional turmoil of betrayal, reflecting on her experience with a love bomber on Tinder. Her journey from excitement to heartbreak unfolds as she navigates the complexities of modern dating.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that breakups are tough—especially when a cheating ex is involved. But what if you could serve up some sweet, petty revenge from the comfort of your own couch? Grab your popcorn, because today we’re diving into a delightfully devious tale from Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge, where one woman turned Tinder into her own personal playground for payback.

After a whirlwind romance, a sudden betrayal, and a relationship plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama, our heroine found herself single—and ready to get even. Get ready to swipe right on some seriously creative revenge.

The Love Bomb, the Cheater, and the Ultimate Betrayal

First, let’s set the scene. Our protagonist, u/black_cat_energy_83, had been out of the dating game for a while before falling for “Mike.” He was charming, attentive, and—unbeknownst to her—an Olympic-level love bomber (that’s someone who overwhelms you with affection and attention, only to reveal their true colors later). A few months in, she discovered Mike had cheated. Ouch.

She wasn’t the type to tolerate infidelity, but—like many of us—she gave him another chance after he shed some crocodile tears. Bad move. Once she took him back, Mike promptly dumped her. Double ouch.

Revenge, Served Petty

But here’s where the story takes a turn from heartbreak to high comedy. Word got out that Mike was back on Tinder, swiping through the dating pool like nothing ever happened. Rather than wallow, our heroine decided to channel her inner Loki and get some payback.

She downloaded Tinder and, with the cunning of a cat burglar, created a string of fake profiles. Each time Mike matched with one, she’d strike up a conversation, flirt just enough to earn his trust, then steer the chat toward something he was secretly insecure about—his divorce, living with his parents, or his shiny bald scalp.

And just as he’d open up, thinking he’d found a sympathetic ear, she’d unmatch. Poof! Gone. Rinse and repeat, each time with a fresh new profile, leaving Mike to wonder why every promising match vanished the second he bared his soul.

Why This Revenge Works (and Why We’re Cheering)

Let’s be honest: is this the most mature way to handle a breakup? Maybe not. But is it satisfying to imagine a cheater getting a taste of their own medicine? Absolutely. Sometimes, a little well-placed pettiness is just what the soul needs.

This revenge is deliciously low-stakes, non-destructive, and perfectly tailored to the crime. Mike played with her heart; she played with his ego. She didn’t out him publicly, ruin his life, or stoop to illegal antics—just a few mysterious unmatches and a lingering sense of confusion. In the world of petty revenge, that’s pretty harmless (and a little hilarious).

And let’s not overlook the real gem here: this story highlights the power of reclaiming agency after being wronged. Instead of letting the breakup define her, our protagonist flipped the script, taking control in a way that was cathartic and, dare we say, a little bit genius.

The Fine Art of Petty Revenge

Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge is full of stories like this—little acts of justice that make us laugh, cringe, and sometimes cheer a stranger on from behind our screens. They remind us that, while forgiveness is a virtue, sometimes a tiny, well-aimed jab can be just as healing.

Of course, there’s a line between petty and malicious. Our heroine kept her revenge playful and private, never crossing into truly mean-spirited territory. If you’re ever tempted to serve your own petty revenge, let this story be your guide: keep it clever, keep it safe, and most importantly, keep it fun.

Would You Swipe Right on Petty Revenge?

So, what do you think? Is this level of pettiness justified, or should we all just let karma do its thing? Have you ever plotted (or carried out) a harmless act of revenge on a cheating ex? Share your stories in the comments below—after all, misery loves company, and revenge loves a good audience.

And if you’re out there swiping, remember: you never know who’s behind the next profile. Swipe carefully, and maybe don’t cheat on your next date. The internet never forgets.


What’s your favorite story of petty revenge? Would you go to these lengths, or is it better to just move on? Let’s chat below!


Original Reddit Post: Tinder cheater