After a grueling week of back-to-back meetings and little sleep, I boarded my flight home, craving peace with a movie and ginger ale. My sanctuary was shattered when a young woman sat in front of me and tossed her thick, perfumed hair over my tray table, obstructing my screen. I tapped her shoulder politely, asking her to move it. She mumbled an apology and complied—temporarily. Within minutes, her hair flopped back. Exasperated after days of stress, I chewed three pieces of gum and carefully placed them into her strands, spreading it
methodically. She soon noticed, shrieking as she tugged at the sticky tangle. Unfazed, I paused my movie and said, “That’s the result of your arrogance.” I offered her two choices: struggle with it or let me snip it out, adding a quiet warning about future manners. She froze, then tied her hair into a tight bun, silent for the rest of the flight. I enjoyed two movies, a snack, and every sip of ginger ale in blissful peace. Was my revenge justified or over the line? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
