Michelle Kaplan

Sweet Revenge

Lately I’ve had some run-ins with people I like to classify as the ill tempered and ill mannered. They come in all shapes and sizes, some are your friends and family, some are your co-workers, and some fall into a strange category that has no name.
Ex spouses, and perhaps your future spouse’s ex.

Just who the Hell do they think they are? They are not related to you, but if you have kids, they are an invasive part of your entire world. They actually think they have a say in your life because you spend time with their kids.

Even if their behavior in front of these children (that they claim to have only their best interests in mind) is deplorable and immature, you are stuck; you have to take the high road, and oh, let me tell you, I am one road weary traveler on the high road.

After one year of dating and four months of engagement, I had to meet the ex at my fiancé’s daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. For those of you who are unaware of the Bat Mitzvah, it’s a Jewish ceremony held when a young girl becomes an ‘adult’ or a member of the congregation. After the ceremony comes the elaborate party that rivals weddings.

I’d like to say the ex got drunk, got in my face, and told me just what she thought of me, that I could respect. However, being the coward that she is, she took a family member aside and started a little game called “let me start some trouble,” whispering insults about me in her ear.

Of course it blew up in her face, further illustrating what a “lady” she is. (Her current boyfriend had to take her outside and have a little “chat” with her.)

Later, after much cajoling from her cousin, she attempted to apologize with crocodile tears.

Believe me, I could have stood there for an hour unloading every injustice she had pulled on my fiancé and the kids over the last year. There were things I wanted to tell her…things I’d been dying to say… but no, I took the high road. And I would suggest to anyone out there dealing with the same situation, do it — take the high road. You won’t ever have to look back and cringe at the immature things you’ve said. The kind of things that can only come out in a moment of anger. Then they’ve won. Now you have met them at their level and look just as cheap and horrible as they do, and oh, are they happy they pushed your buttons and had some kind of effect on you, any kind.

So what did I do?

I calmly told her that I didn’t want her apology, I didn’t want to speak to her and to just back off.

And then I proceeded to get my revenge.

I danced with my fiancé, I laughed louder and made sure she knew that I was having the BEST time of all. Meanwhile, she sat outside most of the time, smoking.

The funny thing about the ex’s are that they would be the first look you in the eye and tell you how they’ve ‘moved on,’ although I really doubt some of them ever do.

If ever you get caught up inside some crazy tangled web that an ex-spouse, mean co-worker, or anyone who wishes you ill, sets, may I suggest this: LAUGH! Nothing makes a crazy person more upset then when you find the things they have to say amusing.

Whoever said that living well is the best revenge…couldn’t be more right.

Have something to say?
Bring it on!!!