When Petty Revenge Hits Home: “You Have Everything You Need, Right Mom?”
Family drama, spicy comebacks, and a dash of karmic justice—who doesn’t love a juicy tale of petty revenge? If you’ve ever been snubbed by someone close to you, then fantasized about the perfect clapback, you’ll want to settle in for this one. Recently on r/PettyRevenge, one Redditor turned a mother’s social media slight into an opportunity for poetic payback on a level that had the community cheering, face-palming, and debating just how far is too far.
Let’s set the scene: OP (u/Next_Egg2567) had already endured a digital slap in the face when their mom posted a family photo—featuring herself, her husband, and her kids... but not OP. The caption? “Everything I’ll ever need, right here.” Ouch. It’s the kind of exclusion that stings like lemon juice in a paper cut, and as many commenters pointed out, it’s hard to see it as anything but intentional.
Fast forward to a family crisis: Mom’s husband ends up in the hospital, and suddenly, the child who was “not needed” is needed—desperately. The request? Rush over and babysit the kids, who are currently home alone. OP’s response is the stuff of petty-revenge legend: “Nah mom, you know what? You’ll be fine without my help, you have everything you’ll ever need right there with you. You don’t need me.”
Cue the fireworks.
A Master Class in Petty (With a Side of Self-Respect)
The Reddit community, always ready with popcorn and hot takes, absolutely devoured this story. The top comment from u/Either_Coconut set the tone: “I’d go comment on that picture, ‘Happy for you.’” Others took it further, suggesting the chef’s kiss of classy shade: “I love this FOR YOU!”—with u/RockinK56 adding that this keeps you looking like you took the high road, while still making your point.
This is more than just pettiness; it’s about boundaries. As u/HuhWelliNever brilliantly put it: “If people wanted you to treat them better they should have treated you better in kind. Relationships are reciprocal.” It’s the golden rule, but with a side of digital receipts.
But, as with any great revenge story, the plot thickens. OP revealed in an edit that the kids were still alone, pondering whether to take things pro-revenge and call the cops for abandonment—a move that split the peanut gallery.
Where’s the Line Between Petty and Spiteful?
Some commenters, like u/deadlyhausfrau and u/Stunning_Patience_78, argued that leaving young kids alone is a major safety hazard and deserves intervention: “What if something happens to them?” Others, like u/Megerber, worried about the kids: “Don’t call the police. Those children didn’t do anything to deserve entering the system.” The debate highlighted the real-life stakes behind what started as a petty power move.
Still, the consensus was that OP’s refusal to swoop in wasn’t just about revenge—it was about refusing to be a doormat. “Not your kids, not your problem,” declared u/RJack151, capturing the mood of many. Meanwhile, u/babamum applauded OP for standing up for themselves: “The perfect response. Good on you for not being a doormat.”
Family Drama Is Universal... and Relatable
What really resonated with readers was how familiar this dynamic felt. Stories of narcissistic or boundary-blind parents flooded the thread. u/ParisMorning shared their own saga of being used for childcare and household chores, only to be discarded when convenient. Their takeaway? Standing up for yourself can be liberating—and sometimes, the only path to healing.
And let’s not forget the master class in classy clapbacks. The community’s favorite? Posting a screenshot of the “everything I need” caption to your own socials, with a dry “I love this for you!” for extra flavor. Because sometimes, the best revenge isn’t fiery—it’s icy cold, with a side of receipts.
But What About the Kids?
The one wrinkle in this otherwise satisfying dish of revenge is, of course, the welfare of the kids left alone. Several commenters reminded OP—and all of us—of the importance of considering their safety, with u/HTired5678 noting, “If the oldest is under 10-12, maybe call the cops.” While the pettiness is delicious, child neglect isn’t.
Takeaways: Boundaries, Receipts, and the High Road
In the end, what makes this story so compelling isn’t just the perfect comeback (though, let’s be honest, it’s 10/10). It’s the universal struggle for boundaries, self-respect, and family dynamics that don’t always make sense. As u/Dustquake so eloquently put it: “No, mom, I won’t enable you to abandon your other children like you abandoned me.”
So, the next time someone shows you where you stand in their life, remember: your boundaries matter, and sometimes, the best revenge is simply living your truth—and having a ready-made zinger in your back pocket.
What’s your take? Would you have answered the call, or doubled down like OP? Ever been on the receiving end of a “you’re not family” snub? Share your stories, your clapbacks, or your cautionary tales in the comments below. And don’t forget: screenshots last forever.
Original Reddit Post: So you don't need me?