When My Roommate Turned Me into Her Personal Shopper, I Served Her a Cold Dish of Revenge

My Roommate Kept Using Me as Her Personal Shopper, So I Got Creative with My Revenge

I was at my wits’ end because of my roommate’s incessant demands for gourmet groceries and her unfulfilled promises to pay me back. Her need for an extensive inventory of high-end party supplies was the tipping point. I realized I needed to impart some wisdom to her, and boy, did I!

I never imagined that I would be planning a roommate’s revenge, but that is exactly what has happened. When Taryn and I moved into our cute little apartment in the city around a year ago, that’s when it all began.

Everything was wonderful at first. We took turns doing chores, went on movie nights, and occasionally went out to drink. But eventually, the fissures showed.

Taryn was one of those persons who had a way of persuading others to carry out tasks for her. She asked questions in a way that made you feel bad if you even considered saying no.

It was modest at first.

Kelly, will you please stop for some milk on the way home? “I’ll repay you,” she would inquire. Not a huge thing, is it? However, things got worse after that.

You see, Taryn’s upscale tastes are a contributing factor in the issue.

“Kelly, will you please get me some of that upscale truffle cheese? For a study snack, that is. I promise I’ll pay you back.” Warning: she never actually did.

I dismissed it at first. Taryn was occupied, or so she claimed. She would often complain about her rigorous study regimen and how she was cooped up at home with books. However, I was aware of the reality.

She was home having parties and hanging out with her pals, while I was out pounding my butt at work.

One evening, I returned home to yet another request following a very demanding day at work. Sitting on the couch, Taryn was thumbing through her phone.

I had shared a room with Kelly for approximately a year. She appeared to be the ideal roommate at first: thoughtful, laid-back, and always eager to provide a hand. I suppose I went a little too far in using that.

“Hey Kelly, can you pick up some things for my party this weekend?” she asked, hardly raising her gaze. Cheeses, beautiful fruits, sweets from abroad, and a fine wine, you know. The refrigerator has the list.”

And that was it! It was the idea behind the thing, not simply the money. I was tired of being the idiot because she was taking advantage of me.

I stood gripping my keys as a mixture of frustration and tiredness welled up inside of me.

Yes, Taryn. “I’ll take care of that immediately,” I answered, a hint of cynicism in my voice that she didn’t notice.

I then made the decision to use my imagination. Taryn was going to obtain her premium stuff, even if it wasn’t how she had anticipated.

Tightening my grip on Taryn’s list, I made my way to the store. Exotic fruits, gourmet cheeses, fine wines, and imported chocolates.

I laughed to myself, picturing her reaction when she saw what I was about to pull off. I headed straight for the cheap department rather than the posh grocery store.

Let’s start with wine. I reached for the cheapest boxed wine I could find, not the costly, imported bottles Taryn likes to flaunt. It was the type of wine that was so disgusting to think about.

I next headed to the cheese department and purchased a package of processed cheese slices. Not what she had in mind, you know, the type you slap on a kid’s sandwich.

The fruits then appeared. I grabbed the most basic, bland apples and bananas I could find, ignoring all the interesting stuff. These were never going to impress anyone.

I finally spotted some off-brand chocolates when I was strolling through the candy aisle. Perfect.

I was nervous and excited at the same time as I headed home. Taryn was still curled up on the couch when I came in. She gave it a quick glance up.

“Did you get everything?” she said, sounding as if she didn’t really care to know.

I answered, “Yep, got it all,” and placed the bags on the counter. She hardly looked at the contents, and I couldn’t help but smile as she dismissed me with her usual, “Thanks, I’ll pay you back later.”

I replied, my pulse thumping with eagerness, “Sure, no problem.” The scene was prepared.

I noticed Kelly leaning against the kitchen doorway with a pleased expression on her face at that moment. I lost it when she spoke that snide remark about my celebration.

When party night finally arrived, I made sure to stay to witness the consequences. All smiles and fake modesty as she boasted to her pals about the “premium” spread she’d put together, Taryn was in full hostess mode.

I waited for the concert to begin by leaning against the kitchen doorway and sipping my drink.

It wasn’t too lengthy. When she began to pour the wine, it was clear that trouble was ahead. Her visitors took timid sips, their noses wrinkled as they exchanged bewildered glances.

One guy was too disgusted to hide it. “Uh, Taryn, are you sure this is the right wine?”

Taryn smiled nervously. Her eyes widened in horror as she grasped the box, realizing it was the cheapest swill on offer.

She stumbled and said, “I don’t understand.” “It must have been mislabeled.”

She tried to salvage face by moving on fast.

“Let’s have some cheese, shall we?” Her visitors erupted into laughter as she removed the processed slices from the wrapping.

Trying not to laugh, one female said, “This is the gourmet cheese?”

Taryn’s hot cheeks puffed up. Despite her obvious mortification, she attempted to hide it. “Oh, you know, it’s all about the presentation,” she remarked, straining her voice.

She delivered the death blow when she offered the “imported chocolates.”

One of the guests took a taste and spat it out right away. “This tastes like cardboard!”

The celebratory mood dissipated rapidly. In an attempt to be courteous, her friends made excuses and began to move away. Taryn found herself standing in the center of the room, surrounded by cheap appetizers and awkward quiet, as the momentum faded.

I gave in and slightly twisted the knife.

I could hardly contain my laughing as I responded, “Wow, Taryn, your party is really something.” “Everything okay?”

Taryn’s Point of View:

It’s funny how you may assume you know someone until they betray you.

I had shared a room with Kelly for approximately a year. She appeared to be the ideal roommate at first: thoughtful, laid-back, and always eager to provide a hand. I suppose I went a little too far in using that.

Kelly would frequently be asked to pick up items for me. To be honest, I didn’t give it much thought. Help was needed as I was occupied with my studies.

Besides, I’d always said I would reimburse her. Who, after all, keeps track of a few bucks here and there?

And then came my big celebration day. I desired perfection in everything. I had emailed Kelly a list of high-end products, including some top-shelf wine, unusual fruits, gourmet cheeses, and foreign chocolates.

Although she didn’t look excited, she consented to receive them. I didn’t even look at what she purchased; I just trusted that, as usual, she got it properly.

However, she failed to do so this time, ruining my party.

In an attempt to be courteous, my companions apologized and departed. Standing by myself amid the ruins of my assumed ideal evening, I was ashamed.

I noticed Kelly leaning against the kitchen doorway with a pleased expression on her face at that moment. I lost it when she spoke that snide remark about my celebration.

“Kelly, what the devil? You purposely acquired the incorrect items!” I yelled, embarrassed and angry at the same time, my voice trembling.

Kelly remained unfazed.

She simply shrugged, her face innocent and serene. “Oh, did I really? Had to have confused things. But don’t worry, when that time comes, you can simply reimburse me for what I did purchase.”

Her remarks struck me sharply. I started to object, but nothing came out. She was accurate. It wasn’t just for this one moment that I owed her.

A knot of shame knotted in my stomach as I stood there, taking in what she had spoken. I knew deep down that I had been abusing her generosity for months.

I couldn’t protect myself, so I pivoted and hurried to my room, shutting the door in my wake.

I stayed away from Kelly for a few days because I was too ashamed and upset to talk to her. But the rage subsided over the next few days, leaving a heavy burden of guilt in its wake.

Something changed in the apartment atmosphere. Kelly felt more confident than ever as she went about her days. She didn’t have to say anything because her deeds were more convincing than words. Her time as my doormat was over, and I had to accept it.

I never asked Kelly to shop for me again after that day. I began to take charge of my own needs, improve my time management skills, and go shopping for myself. It was a challenging but important lesson.

During my alone time in my room, I thought back on what had transpired. I became aware of how foolish it had been and how simple it had been to abuse Kelly’s generosity. I would never forget the important lesson she had taught me about boundaries and respect.

The relationship between us shifted as the weeks stretched into months. There was a new understanding, but we were not as close as before. I believe she noticed a shift in myself as well because I had learned to appreciate her generosity and personal space.

Sometimes you have to experience some self-honesty before you can truly perceive yourself.

I’m glad Kelly’s actions served as a wake-up call. I had been conceited and entitled, but I was resolved to change. Ultimately, all that is truly possible is the opportunity to develop and learn from one’s mistakes.