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Committing to a relationship with someone means you're putting your heart into their hands and letting them decide what to do with it. If you're lucky, they will nurture it and the two of you will form a connection like no other. But they might break it, too. Which is why the people we love the most are the ones that can make us the maddest, too.

A breakup or divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences in our lives. The (abrupt) end of a relationship can turn our whole world upside down and trigger all sorts of painful and unsettling emotions. Like a burning desire for revenge.

We at Bored Panda compiled a list of vivid examples to show you what things lovers are capable of if their (ex) partners hurt them badly enough. They may not guarantee a path toward a healthy recovery, but everyone has their own way of coping.

To get a better understanding of these actions and the feelings that caused them, we contacted psychotherapist, writer, and consultant, Kaytee Gillis.

"Stories of people getting revenge for feeling betrayed or wronged in relationships fill movie scripts, and the behaviors are even encouraged and laughed at in many social groups," Gillis, who has a deep passion for helping survivors of traumatic relationships — whether familial or romantic — told Bored Panda.

"One famous song even boasts lyrics about smashing headlights and slicing someone's tires for cheating. Although music is an expressive art form [and it is] most likely not a true story, it shines a light on behaviors that many excuse. And while it might be normal to want to get revenge over being wronged, actually taking action to do that can quickly turn into unhealthy behaviors, or even abuse."

#3

Grandma Put A Magazine Cut Out Of Leonardo Dicaprio Over Her Late (Not So Nice) Husband's Face. The 80-Year-Old's Version Of Photoshop

Grandma Put A Magazine Cut Out Of Leonardo Dicaprio Over Her Late (Not So Nice) Husband's Face. The 80-Year-Old's Version Of Photoshop

JoshPatson Report

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#4

Savage Evil Genius Revenge On Cheating Ex

Savage Evil Genius Revenge On Cheating Ex

KieranMark Report

Gillis, the author of It's Not "High Conflict" It's Post-Separation Abuse, thinks that being hurt after the ending of a relationship is normal.

"If the person wronged you somehow, such as breaking your heart, ghosting you or cheating, it can [even] feel devastating," she said.

"But when pain and anger turn into behaviors that put another person's safety or livelihood at risk, this is abusive and is never a good way to cope with the pain of a breakup."

#5

Ex-Girlfriend Gets Revenge

Ex-Girlfriend Gets Revenge

TheMehr Report

The psychotherapist said that destroying property, spreading rumors as an attempt to harm or discredit someone, keeping the children away from them, or boasting about getting them fired from their job are all common ways that people try to get revenge on an ex.

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"However, this form of revenge is what mental health clinicians refer to as post-separation abuse, or abuse that takes place after a relationship ends. Revenge is abusive, and putting someone's safety at risk is never okay, and it is never funny," Gillis emphasized.

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#9

Angry Girl At My School Posted These All Around Campus, I Spotted 11 On My Walk To The Library This Morning

Angry Girl At My School Posted These All Around Campus, I Spotted 11 On My Walk To The Library This Morning

reddit.com Report

#10

Came Across A 10-Year-Old Photo That Had My Brother's Ex-Wife In It And My Ex In It. Instead Of Deleting It I “Fixed” It

Came Across A 10-Year-Old Photo That Had My Brother's Ex-Wife In It And My Ex In It. Instead Of Deleting It I “Fixed” It

gknick Report

#11

Found Out My Girlfriend Is Cheating On Me. Giving Her This Card Tonight At My Birthday Dinner

Found Out My Girlfriend Is Cheating On Me. Giving Her This Card Tonight At My Birthday Dinner

reddit.com Report

Knowing how to break up could possibly remedy some of the emotions that lead to the extreme lengths that Gillis has mentioned. And while it's not easy for anyone to be good at it, teens are particularly bad at ending things, and growing up online has made it worse.

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Though most teens think the best way to break up is in person, 37 percent of them consider a text breakup at least moderately acceptable and 1 in 4 thinks it's okay to do the job by simply changing your social media status to "single."

That's according to a Pew Research Center report that came out in 2015, five years before the pandemic sent everyone's social lives, and so much else, even further into cyberspace.

#12

Educated Ex

Educated Ex

placelikethis Report

#13

Woman Confesses To Facebook Her Successful Plan Of Catching Her Husband Cheating On Her With Her Best Friend

Woman Confesses To Facebook Her Successful Plan Of Catching Her Husband Cheating On Her With Her Best Friend

m_chellen Report

#14

You Know How Mad You Got To Be To Carry A Refrigerator

You Know How Mad You Got To Be To Carry A Refrigerator

karlousm Report

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Captain Kyra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most refrigerators are not light. I need to know more about how he is lifting this

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#15

Best Wishes To You, Her And Your Baby. Love, Your Wife

Best Wishes To You, Her And Your Baby. Love, Your Wife

kavien Report

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Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the toledo bend area(Texas) has a 409 area code. I think that's funny cause toledo (ohio) has 419

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"If you feel you must get revenge, it is important to take time and self-reflect on why this is," Gillis said. "Is it to 'get back at' someone who wronged you?"

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"Recognize that these feelings themselves are not abnormal, and have compassion for the part of you that feels wronged, but do not take action."

#16

Guy Gets Cheated On By His Long-Time Girlfriend And Decides To Revenge

Guy Gets Cheated On By His Long-Time Girlfriend And Decides To Revenge

kaijuno Report

#17

Spotted This Sign Driving Past. Handled It Well

Spotted This Sign Driving Past. Handled It Well

KJAYS Report

#18

I Bet There’s A Dude Sitting With Just Salt And Pepper In His Cubbard Right Now Wishing He Had That Old Bay I Snatched Back

I Bet There’s A Dude Sitting With Just Salt And Pepper In His Cubbard Right Now Wishing He Had That Old Bay I Snatched Back

deelalz Report

"It is okay, and even encouraged, to vent about that person to your friends, family, and support system. Write about them in your journal. But do not post publicly on social media, as this will make you look immature and vindictive."

"And, as always, remember that any acts of violence or abuse are illegal, and could result in fines, imprisonment, and will obviously make you look vindictive and abusive. Instead, seek mental health support to help you through this time if you feel that you are going to take action to harm someone out of revenge," the psychotherapist said.

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#21

The New Cold War

The New Cold War

YoungTiempo Report

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Nadine Khazaka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They always say it's the kids who suffer the most, nobody thinks about the innocent dads.

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#22

Best Use For Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress. Snow Camo

Best Use For Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress. Snow Camo

ticktock44 Report

#23

When Love Is Over

When Love Is Over

recklessbehav Report

#24

My Friend Decided To Cover Up The Tattoo Of His Ex Wife

My Friend Decided To Cover Up The Tattoo Of His Ex Wife

SomeJagaloon Report

#25

Emotional Ex Eviscerates Estate With Eyeshadow

Emotional Ex Eviscerates Estate With Eyeshadow

Sazley Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work as a paralegal in a family law office. DO. NOT. DO. THIS. If the husband hires an attorney, they will force you to pay for that sh*t you destroyed or even file criminal charges against you. That will only hurt you in the long run because you could have gotten money from the sale of the house. Not it will take THOUSANDS to repair and you may not sell the house for years.

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#26

While Preparing For My Garage Sale, I Found A Pendant My Ex Gave Me... I Decided To Be A Little Creative With Selling It

While Preparing For My Garage Sale, I Found A Pendant My Ex Gave Me... I Decided To Be A Little Creative With Selling It

PatriarchVespa Report

#27

My Friend's Girlfriend Moved Out And Took Everything, Including The Drawer Handles

My Friend's Girlfriend Moved Out And Took Everything, Including The Drawer Handles

whatcanieattoday Report

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#29

A Japanese Woman Discovered Her Boyfriend Was Cheating, So She Gathered All His Apple Devices And Dumped Them Into A Tub Full Of Water

A Japanese Woman Discovered Her Boyfriend Was Cheating, So She Gathered All His Apple Devices And Dumped Them Into A Tub Full Of Water

potetosarada000 Report

#30

My Ex Sent Me A Postcard

My Ex Sent Me A Postcard

ronlechler Report

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Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got an ex I'm still on really good terms with. I can either of us sending this to the other and whoever got it laughing

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#31

Dave Is Genius

Dave Is Genius

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#32

The Bride Continues With The Whole Wedding And Just Happens To Have Photos Of The Groom Cheating To Expose Him At The End With

The Bride Continues With The Whole Wedding And Just Happens To Have Photos Of The Groom Cheating To Expose Him At The End With

LifeSpanner Report

#34

I’m Sure The Band Was Thrilled To Help A Random Woman “Destroy” Her Ex

I’m Sure The Band Was Thrilled To Help A Random Woman “Destroy” Her Ex

TIGVGGGG16 Report

#35

Well Deserved Revenge

Well Deserved Revenge

omgrobertowtf Report

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OmBoyGanesh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assuming she had this access to the actual account, I’d guess she’s on his phone. Having access to the phone probably allows all access to the apps.

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#36

A Girl I Know From High School Got Cheated On By Her Husband And Had To Move, So Naturally

A Girl I Know From High School Got Cheated On By Her Husband And Had To Move, So Naturally

98Toyota4Runner Report

#38

Cheat On Me? I'll Destroy Your Relationship With Your Mother

Cheat On Me? I'll Destroy Your Relationship With Your Mother

70127 Report

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necessary cephalopod
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This says more about the gf and mom than anything else... Good parents don't let a 'lifelong rift' happen just because their stupid young kid cheated.

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#40

Cheating Husband

Cheating Husband

fewthingsbotherme Report

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Fat Harry
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Linnie, Luann and Vivian? Tell me you live in Alabama without telling me you live in Alabama.

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#41

You Won't Believe How This Girl Breaks Up With Her Scumbag 6th-Grade Boyfriend

You Won't Believe How This Girl Breaks Up With Her Scumbag 6th-Grade Boyfriend

francescakate Report

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Marley Nachi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

6th grade with grinding and boyfriends/ girlfriends, what the heck? They're just kids

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#42

In Your Face, Cheating Ex-Boyfriend

In Your Face, Cheating Ex-Boyfriend

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Very Normal Giraffe
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look how proud she is! I really hope he sees this and feels ashamed. Don't cheat guys!

#43

Ex Fiancé And Ex Best Man Are Now Dating. He Left His Wii At My Place. I Made Sure To Get It Back To Him

Ex Fiancé And Ex Best Man Are Now Dating. He Left His Wii At My Place. I Made Sure To Get It Back To Him

PM_me_your_Jeep Report

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Hphizzle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not the glitter!!! That will haunt him for years to come!

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#44

I Went To A Party Where My Ex-Girlfriend Was Present With Her New Boyfriend. This Was What I Was Wearing

I Went To A Party Where My Ex-Girlfriend Was Present With Her New Boyfriend. This Was What I Was Wearing

Princekwg Report

#45

Five More Tasks To Complete

Five More Tasks To Complete

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#46

My Friend Caught Her Husband Cheating On Her. She Cleaned All Of Her Belongings Out Of The House While He Was At Work And Left The Shirt He Wore To His Bachelor Party

My Friend Caught Her Husband Cheating On Her. She Cleaned All Of Her Belongings Out Of The House While He Was At Work And Left The Shirt He Wore To His Bachelor Party

gmb83 Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone with a shirt like that is not worth marrying. "Hey, person i'm about to publicly announce my undying love for, I'm also going to publicly announce how much I'm going to hate being tethered to you for the rest of my life."

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#47

Afraid Santa Won’t Be Coming This Year

Afraid Santa Won’t Be Coming This Year

jlowrey10 Report

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Eva Kašu
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should return it to the shop/sell and buy something for yourself!

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#48

When Your Ex Can Still Control Your Thermostat

When Your Ex Can Still Control Your Thermostat

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Apps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm... guy has no life. He needs to move on and trade up in job, partner and house. It's true, living well (and genuinely being happy) is the best revenge!

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#49

Revenge On Cheating Ex-Boyfriend That Will Take About 17 Years

Revenge On Cheating Ex-Boyfriend That Will Take About 17 Years

Harriet Report

#50

Caught Wife Cheating, Free Corvette

Caught Wife Cheating, Free Corvette

Report

#51

Maybe Next Time He'll Think Before He Cheats

Maybe Next Time He'll Think Before He Cheats

reddit.com Report

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#52

My Ex Loves Hot Sauce And I Finally Found The Perfect One For Her While Traveling In Korea

My Ex Loves Hot Sauce And I Finally Found The Perfect One For Her While Traveling In Korea

corderoroman Report

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Henry Russell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

still hot sauce ill accept that happily. honestly though cholula is the best hot sauce i dont like tabasco

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#54

Man Conveniently Sits Directly Behind His Ex On The Bus Without Her Knowing. Concocts The Perfect Plan

Man Conveniently Sits Directly Behind His Ex On The Bus Without Her Knowing. Concocts The Perfect Plan

itsfarishilton Report

#55

After More Than Half A Year Of Cheating, This Husband Finally Gets What He Deserves

After More Than Half A Year Of Cheating, This Husband Finally Gets What He Deserves

dstorms492 Report

#56

Sold The Ring I Used To Propose To My Ex-Fiancé, And Bought Myself Something Nice With All The Cash

Sold The Ring I Used To Propose To My Ex-Fiancé, And Bought Myself Something Nice With All The Cash

Upvoteyours Report

#57

My Neighbor Caught Her Husband Cheating

My Neighbor Caught Her Husband Cheating

reddit.com Report

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Very Normal Giraffe
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor neighbor. Also btw: I know she was probably angry at the time but I also feel bad for the other people who lived in the complex who had to deal with the mess. I hope the lady or her ex ends up cleaning it up.

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#59

Made My Ex A Valentine Cookie. Nailed It

Made My Ex A Valentine Cookie. Nailed It

muncho Report

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#60

Ex-Girlfriend Drama Outside My House

Ex-Girlfriend Drama Outside My House

zodiac200213 Report

#61

So My Friend Was Caught Cheating

So My Friend Was Caught Cheating

stankycheese Report

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Very Normal Giraffe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, cheating is horrible. I understand why someone would do this after getting cheated on, but (I know nothing about law but I'm pretty sure) breaking the car could get you in a lot of legal trouble.

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#62

This Punishment

This Punishment

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#63

My Ex-Boyfriend Encrypted My External Hard Drive To Get Revenge On Me

My Ex-Boyfriend Encrypted My External Hard Drive To Get Revenge On Me

sara-fawx Report

#64

Tiktok User Gets Revenge On Ex By Signing Him Up To Email Newsletters. "I Sign Mine Up For Home Visits From Jehovah's Witnesses," Someone Else Admitted. "It's Been 3 Years"

Tiktok User Gets Revenge On Ex By Signing Him Up To Email Newsletters. "I Sign Mine Up For Home Visits From Jehovah's Witnesses," Someone Else Admitted. "It's Been 3 Years"

Balcacer Report

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Weasel Wise
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Downvote that shīt! THREE years?! Move on with your life already! You two probably weren't even together for that long. Time to stop wasting all that time and energy on an ex from THREE YEARS AGO and invest that into a good therapist.

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#65

Guy Gets Revenge On Cheating Ex By Sending Her Pics Of Topless Trio In His Bathroom

Guy Gets Revenge On Cheating Ex By Sending Her Pics Of Topless Trio In His Bathroom

The_Sun_Serpent Report

#66

Guy Goes Full Savage Mode And Proceeds To Bang All Of His Ex's Close Female Friends

Guy Goes Full Savage Mode And Proceeds To Bang All Of His Ex's Close Female Friends

The_Sun_Serpent Report

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Brendan (banned for downvotes)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, sure this happened. Three girls who are very close to your ex just let you bang them.

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#68

The Five Dislikes Are His Ex-Wife's Last Few Hairs

The Five Dislikes Are His Ex-Wife's Last Few Hairs

renrenrenjun Report

#69

Anon Gets A Divorce

Anon Gets A Divorce

nessfkrz Report

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Purple light
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Dream job if you are a f.." I hate him for using that slur. Censoring that word, doesn't make it allright to post this, Bored Panda.

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