ATHEISTS ONLY: Is it morally wrong to seek revenge against a coworker?

Question

A coworker of mine goes out of her way to be nasty. Making rude remarks about my physical appearance, my upcoming wedding and tries to make me look bad in front of the boss. It's a small office. The one and only boss is aware of the ongoing situation but does nothing about it. So, I began to dunking her favorite cup in the toilet. When she says something catty while drinking out of the toilet cup, I can't help but feel so much better.

So is there anything truly wrong about seeking revenge towards someone like this? I managed to get her password to her email account to monitor what she sends to my boss. I want to sign her up for porn. Another idea was to give her computer a virus or put small amounts of urine into her food.

If you don't think there's anything wrong with revenge where do you draw the line? Is there anything wrong about my feelings or actions towards her?

Urine is actually composed of mainly water and is relatively sterile unless I have a bacterial infection of some sort. So, it all likelihood, the urine won't cause any health problems. The idea of it is disgusting.

I've been dunking her cup in the toilet for months now and nothing has happened health wise either in that department either. The toilet is scrubbed every day.

Also... I asked this question for atheists in particular not because you don't have morals -- I just don't want a slew of bible verses.

By small office I mean there is no human resources department or any other supervisor. It's one boss and he doesn't give a crap. He owns the little company of 5 people. It's not part of some larger company. It's small and private.

Answer 1

Yes there is. Anger is one of the most dangerous emotions you can have. It does more harm to you than the person it is directed towards.
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” Buddha

Please think on this.

Answer 2

Yes, this is wrong. What are you accomplishing here really? Trying to stick it to her in your mind, yeah, but it doesn't solve the problem and she doesn't even know she's getting it. Plus, you could be causing her actual harm and all she's doing is behaving rudely.

Every time she makes a catty comment, call her on it, plainly and preferably within earshot of others. Tell her that her remark was uncalled for, it's none of her business, you don't care to hear her opinion, or whatever is appropriate, and that her behavior is unprofessional and you don't appreciate it.

If she does not stop and your boss won't doing anything, report it to HR. Your boss may have to act when HR gets involved. It goes down on her record as a black mark - but it's something she's earned, not something you planted.

When you are being wronged it is better to seek justice rather than revenge. They are NOT the same thing. Revenge is for the ego; justice is an attempt to actually, HEY! SOLVE THE PROBLEM. Revenge causes harm, justice can actually be beneficial to the perpetrator. Revenge can land you in court, justice backs up your actions of self-defense. Revenge has a way of coming back to you; justice attempts to end the matter.

Answer 3

Revenge is the tool of the immature. Intelligent adults would work to remedy the situation as I detailed to you in your other question.

Remember that old saying "two wrongs don't make a right"? It makes a lot of sense. You should be acting a little more maturely. Revenge only adds more negativity to the world.

Answer 4

I'm not atheist but still, I think the toilet cup thing is really funny, but those other things are going to far. Have you ever watched "The Office", if you haven't look it up on youtube. They play all kinds of prank on their coworkers, harmless stuff, but really funny. Try doing those kind of pranks, you will feel better.

Answer 5

I would say the best way to deal with this is to raise your concerns to your boss. It my experience dealing with things is mature ways always helps. As far as tainting her food, that is extreme. You are not just getting back at her by causing distress in her life, you are endangering her health. Just do things to attack her feelings. That way she will develop an eating disorder and eventually hit rock bottom when she gets chlamydia from a one night stand.

Answer 6

For more fun you can send flowers to her husband and make sure they were sent anonymus. Place an ad for a garage sale at ther home. Sign up for every dating service you can find but only the bdsm ones. Have fun.

Answer 7

You aren't helping yourself deal with the rage and hurt she gives you, and you may end up doing something that gets you fired or arrested. And even atheists have morals, just not "Christian" morals. So my suggestion to you is to cut it out and find a constructive way of dealing with this woman, before you hurt yourself.

Answer 8

I have 2 points here. One, usually people who are rude and nasty about other people, do NOT think much of themselves.
And two, the word "atheists" and the word "morally" don't go together in the same sentence. If this person is rude, they don't like themselves, period. "Ask God, he'll tell you!" Tee-hee!
P.S. By seeking revenge, you're stooping to that other persons level....LOW

Answer 9

I would rather quit that job then deal with the childish drama you are talking about.If I were you I would start job hunting.Keep your current job until you find another one and then keep all your office relationships to a business level only.

Answer 10

interesting. i just finished a book that deals with the topic of revenge. i would highly reccomend reading it: Notes from the Underground by Dosteovsky
check it out