8 Silent Ways People Get Revenge Without Getting Caught

One A study on the social psychology of revenge From the research journal Social and Psychology Personality Compass defines revenge as a way of exchanging messages and meaning; It is a complex, chaotic and often unhealthy means of communication. While some experts suggest that some Potential benefits of revenge In toxic relationships or situations, the disincentives to vindictive behavior far outweigh any beneficial use of it.

In some cases, vengeful people make their jealousy and sabotage well known, but in others, people have quiet ways to get revenge without getting caught. By recognizing these tendencies and behaviors, you can be sure to create a healthy inner circle filled with relationships that enrich your life rather than detract from it.

Here are 8 silent ways people get revenge without getting caught

1. They start rumors or gossip

Woman looking sad while reading gossip on her phone Monster Ztudio | Shutterstock

During research found Although gossip can be healthy in very specific scenarios, most rumors started by resentful and vengeful people are intended to cause harm. Whether it’s destroying trust in a relationship, damaging someone’s reputation, or desperately trying to create stress and anxiety in someone’s life, gossip in the wrong hands can be one of the quiet ways people take revenge without getting caught.

Of course, gossiping behind people’s backs and spreading hurtful rumors may keep a vengeful person from getting caught, but it doesn’t do much to protect him from being caught. karmic negative energy It is certain that he will return to them eventually.

2. They display fake friendship

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According to psychologist Mark Travers Ph.D.People who display fake positive attitudes or pretend to give great advice not only hurt other people who are struggling, they also impact their own confidence and identity.

That is, they may silently take revenge by trying to gain the upper hand over another person with fake success and happiness, but ultimately they only end up confused, disconnected, and isolated. Of course, always be careful of people in your life who do better than you. especially if they want to point it outbecause they’re probably trying to make you feel worse.

3. They cross boundaries

Couple looking sad while sitting on sofa Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock

Despite Experts like Yolanda Renteriaa licensed professional counselor, argues that constantly setting boundaries in a relationship can itself be a form of self-deception and avoidance, and that many vindictive people will sabotage relationships with their own selfish behavior.

Vengeful people silently know that their tendency to cross certain boundaries in relationships causes stress and emotional harm in other people, but they use this to their own advantage. They manipulate others They began to feel that they were suffering because of their inability to protect their own territory.

4. They strategically express their ignorance

Man looking sad while arguing with his partner Dean Drobot | Shutterstock

Willful ignorance in relationships is both a form of self-sabotage and silent revenge; because it is an active decision to avoid knowledge of another person’s feelings, their situation, or their struggle to avoid being held accountable when they are called out for failing to provide support or intervention.

While it may be obvious to some people that their partners or friends are deliberately expressing ignorance, Research from the journal Philosophical Studies argues that many use ignorance as a means of self-deception. They subconsciously avoid responsibility for their actions and in turn sacrifice the well-being of healthy relationships with others.

5. They stop communicating completely

Sad looking woman sitting on the couch Bagus Production | Shutterstock

During Using “no contact” strategies in toxic relationships It can be incredibly healthy and effective in many situations in your life, but there are some silent ways that people get revenge without getting caught, revolving around the abuse of poor communication.

Whether it’s responding late to text messages, deliberately forgetting to answer phone calls, or “ghosting” people altogether, revenge-seeking people can use other people’s desire to contact them as a tool of manipulation.

If you recognize this communication – or more importantly, lack of communication – If someone in your life is disrupting your balance, think of it as a sign to reconsider the value of that person’s relationship in your life.

6. They make passive-aggressive comments

Woman looking angry while texting on her phone Gaudi Laboratory | Shutterstock

According to a study in the Journal of Leadership and Organizational StudiesPassive-aggressive behavior isn’t just common in personal relationships, it’s also incredibly common in workplace dynamics and leadership strategies.

Co-workers may deliberately take silent revenge on their bosses by making passive-aggressive comments, but also by undermining their leadership authority through insufficient attention and carelessness in their work.

In more personal relationships, such as relationships with a partner or friend, passive aggressive comments it can work to create a quiet sense of insecurity in a connection, creating a sense of instability or resentment that is not always easy to pinpoint in the moment.

7. They move on with their lives

Man and woman looking happy while taking photos Gigi Delgado | Shutterstock

Not everyone who “takes revenge” does so on purpose, as this exchange of messages and communication is almost always a two-way street. One party may feel the shame, guilt, and insecurity that are often associated with vindictive behavior. A study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology one argues, even if one is only passively aware of it.

Imagine a toxic relationship ending: one person lives in it, while another metaphorically improves himself. The “moving on” person may find a new partner, start a new business, or even establish a new social media presence. They act silently and often personally to achieve their goals while someone else watches resentfully.

8. They revisit old disagreements annoyingly late

Woman looking angry on phone call ViDI Studio | Shutterstock

Forgiveness and open discussion are often good-natured ways to resolve conflict, whether you’re in a romantic relationship, friendship, or meeting someone at work. However, allowing things to get worse over time, revisiting them at a later date, with a strategic goal of drawing out the intense emotions of a person who may have changed or forgotten them is not only manipulative but also confusing.

Overshadowed by claims of recovery, such conversations can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re the one caught off guard by them. This type of questionable manipulation is more common than you think. Think about it next time Quietly seeking revenge, colleague points out a mistake months before your project and you will be reminded.

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment writer at YourTango, focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.