In life, there are few simple pleasures that bring us joy. One of them is ruining other people’s fun. Sometimes, even most of the time (we believe in humanity!), this happens completely unintentionally. The irony of fate!
Here’s how you can masterfully destroy someone’s small moments of joy:
Work Interruptions
Call a colleague in the middle of the weekend or late in the evening with "urgent work matters." Nothing says "I value your downtime" like a late-night work call.
Criticizing Purchases
When a friend proudly shows off a new purchase, jump in with comments about how it's a cheap knockoff, and the same thing is available elsewhere for half the price and double the quality. Nothing like taking the shine off their excitement!
Pet Criticism
If someone comments that your cat is ugly, try to maintain your composure. Their negative opinion is a surefire way to dampen your pet pride.
Solo TV Binging
You and your partner planned to watch a series together, but they’ve already binge-watched several episodes without you. The less you know, the better.
Competing Stories
Post about your fun weekend on social media, and watch someone comment that their experience in the Himalayas was three times better. One-upmanship at its finest!
Secret Spoiling
After keeping a secret for a long time, you finally reveal it, only to hear someone say, “I knew it already!” The joy of keeping secrets now turns into a trivial matter.
Explaining Jokes
Tell a joke, and someone immediately explains the punchline. Or recommend a book and give a detailed synopsis. Nothing like killing the joke or the story.
Disappearing Menu Items
Order a specific dish at a restaurant, only to be told it's just run out. Just when you thought you were going to enjoy your meal.
Ambiguous Compliments
Offer compliments with a twist: “Nice daughter you have! Not a son, but maybe one day?” Or, “Your friend is charming, even if her feet are a bit large. It’s a bit saucy.” Nothing like backhanded flattery!
Talking to Someone with Headphones
Try striking up a conversation with someone who’s wearing headphones. They’re clearly engaged in something more important, and your intrusion is a guaranteed mood killer.
Loud Cartoons
Play cartoons for your child at full volume in a crowded airplane or train. If they’re not crying, it’s all good, right?
12. Interrupting Meals
Just as you’re about to enjoy a delicious meal you’ve been preparing, an important call or doorbell rings. Nothing says “ruined enjoyment” like an unexpected interruption.
Office Lunch Disappointments
You’ve enjoyed an expensive business lunch, only to find out later that colleagues threw a fantastic spread for a birthday celebration. Guess who missed out?
Timing Issues
Your best friend, boss, or someone trying to buy something from you calls right when you’re having a romantic moment. Talk about ruining the mood!
Returning Home Remarks
You return to your hometown, meet an old friend, and they comment, “So, the capital didn’t take you back? We told you it wasn’t worth it!” A warm welcome home, indeed.
Aging Realization
You see old classmates and take a perverse pleasure in noting how they’ve aged, only to realize you’ve aged just as much. A bitter reminder of time’s passage.
Introvert’s Nightmare
You’re about to leave your apartment and hear your neighbors bustling around outside. For an introvert, this is a major stressor.
Beer Theft
You spot someone in the bar grabbing the last bottle of the beer you wanted. Now you’re left with nothing but envy.
Video Call in Pajamas
You’re lounging on your mess of a couch in your comfiest pajamas when you get a video call from someone important. Instant embarrassment.
Seat Etiquette
You give up your seat to an elderly person on public transport, and they don’t sit down. Instead, someone sneaky and bold takes your place. Enjoy standing while someone else sits comfortably!
Here are some surefire ways to crush other people’s little joys. Remember, a little joy-stealing can be quite the art form!
