I Refuse to Let My Stepmom Erase My Mom’s Memory, So I Chose Revenge

One reader wrote in with a tale of family tension and clever revenge. After her dad remarried, she found herself at odds with her new stepmom, and things quickly escalated in a way that was equal parts mischievous and satisfying.

Hey Bright Side,

I’ve got a story for you, and I’m not proud... but I also don’t regret it. After my mom passed away, we kept her ashes in her favorite vase. It was special to all of us. But soon after, my dad remarried. His new wife absolutely hated the vase. She said, “It creeps me out, I want it gone!”

One day, my dad told me they had moved it to my aunt’s house. I just smiled to myself. That night, I went into my stepmom’s bedroom and quietly hid all her necessary things in random, unexpected places. I wanted her to feel a tiny fraction of the frustration she gave me. Then I also messed up her clothes and scattered some stuff around the room.

When they returned, she was furious and threatened to ground me. I didn’t care: she had been dismissive of something that meant everything to me. Even now, she still asks about the things I hid, and I just pretend not to know.

But, yeah, well, ugh, I don’t know. Did I cross the line? Where is the line?

— Evelyn

Thank you so much for sending in your story! It’s clear that your stepmom’s attitude toward your mom’s belongings hurt you deeply, and it’s completely understandable to have strong feelings about it. While getting revenge can feel satisfying in the moment, it’s also a chance to reflect on ways to express your emotions constructively.

Instead of acting out physically, try keeping a journal or confiding in someone you trust about your frustrations. Writing down your feelings can help you release anger safely without escalating conflict. You could also consider having a calm conversation with your dad or stepmom to explain why certain things are meaningful to you: sometimes adults don’t realize the emotional weight of their actions.

Balancing your own feelings with family dynamics is never easy, but finding ways to assert yourself while staying safe and respectful can help protect your emotional well-being and maintain peace in the long term.

What would you do in this situation? Before you go, read the story of a parent who refused to keep playing dad to a son who shut them out, and made a choice that changed everything. It’s a powerful tale about boundaries, family, and tough decisions that hit hard.