Driver's 'Petty' Reaction to Passive-Aggressive Note on His Car Goes Viral
A post about an office worker who received a passive-aggressive note accusing them of parking in someone else's space has gone viral on Reddit.
The post, titled "This is now my parking spot," was shared by u/Ashamed_Class_7987 in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, and has quickly gained traction with more than 24,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was posted by June 17. The post features an image of a note left on a car windshield, which simply reads: "This is not your parking spot."
"Started a new job in an office building with a parking garage," the Reddit user wrote. "There are multiple companies in the building and some of them have reserved spots. This was not one of those reserved spots. I come out to my car and find this note on my windshield."
The poster added that, although they usually park in random open spots, this note changed their approach: "From now on I will make it my mission to park in this spot as often as I can."
In a later comment, the poster wrote: "The tone of this note pissed me off and now I have to be petty. Maybe one day we'll have a conversation about it."
Etiquette expert Jo Hayes told Newsweek that the issue appears straightforward. "This is a fairly cut-and-dry case," she said. "If the spot is unmarked/not reserved, and is essentially a first-in, best-dressed situation, then the poster has every right to park there whenever they please."
However, Hayes added that there may be a number of caveats in this situation and "things are often not as they seem." The poster is new to the job, she said, "which clearly means they are a freshman to this whole office building/garage situation."
Disputes like these are not uncommon, according to a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Newsweek. Involving 1,000 U.S. adults, the study explored intense or unusual conflicts with neighbors. From noise complaints and lawn issues to boundary disputes, Americans reported a wide range of friction points in shared spaces.
Gregg Ward, founder and executive director at The Center for Respectful Leadership, advised against escalating conflicts. "If your neighbor doesn't behave in ways you want them to, the last thing you should do is get into a tit-for-tat battle with them," he told Newsweek. "This happens all too often, and it never ends well. In short, don't respond to disrespect with more disrespect—it will just make everything worse."
Hayes also encouraged due diligence before engaging in what could be interpreted as retaliatory behavior. "I would encourage the poster to double-check that the unmarked, apparently 'unreserved', car spots are, in fact, unreserved, and open to anyone … i.e. that they have every right to park in that spot," she said. "The poster could approach building management, or her own office manager, to confirm this."
Hayes also pointed out a possible administrative oversight. "There could be a situation, such as building management/facilities lagging behind on their car park marking schedule, and this car park is actually reserved for someone, it just hasn't been marked yet."
Hayes took issue with the poster's stated intention to make a point by parking there deliberately. "Saying 'from now on I will make it my mission to park in this spot as often as I can' sounds rather spiteful and vengeful," she said. "I'm not saying the poster shouldn't park in the spot—if he/she has full rights to park there, go ahead. I simply remind the poster that, to go out of your way to park there, when other spots are perhaps easier to park in, is nasty and spiteful."
"Remember the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you, even if they are not doing the same," Hayes said.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.
Stock image: A note is left on the windshield of a car.
Stock image: A note is left on the windshield of a car.
Getty
Do you have a parking-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Love or hate Ontario speed cameras? What people are saying about new CAA survey
Not all Ontario drivers like the idea of speed cameras, but they are apparently working to slow down excessive speeding, a new CAA survey reveals. CAA South Central Ontario polled 1,500 drivers from March 7 to 19 , and learned almost one in four had already been ticketed by one of the province's automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras. Although ticketing has increased, driving habits have changed because of speed camera use, CAA found. CAA also noted 83 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed someone speeding, with 43 per cent admitting they had exceeded speed limits while behind the wheel. In a recent Reddit thread , a user shared the results of the CAA survey, which showed 73 per cent of drivers support speed cameras. According to the province, there are now 43 municipalities in Ontario using automated speed enforcement after they were authorized in 2017. 'Ontario's ASE framework is designed to decrease speeding and increase safety,' the province said in an earlier email to Metroland Media. 'It allows municipalities to use camera-based enforcement in designated school and community safety zones, where speed limits are under 80 km/h and there is a risk of speed-related collisions or the presence of vulnerable pedestrians.' However, the province doesn't enforce or regulate the cameras. And many drivers have expressed frustration about the cameras. Disclaimer: Reader survey results are not scientific. As the informal findings of a survey presented to the readers of this site, they reflect the opinions of those who have chosen to participate. The survey is available online to anyone interested in taking it. This poll does not restrict the number of votes each person can cast. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
JD Vance Chances of Beating Leading Democratic Candidates in 2028—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vice President JD Vance held a narrow lead over three potential Democratic presidential candidates who have led recent surveys of the 2028 primary, according to a new Emerson College poll released Friday. Newsweek reached out to Vance's office and each of the candidates for comment via email. Why It Matters Vance, President Donald Trump's second-in-command, is viewed as a potential Republican front-runner in the 2028 election, when Democrats will aim to win back control of the White House. Although the Democratic primary is still years away, prospective candidates are already making early moves, such as fundraising, building national name recognition, and traveling to key primary states to meet with voters. Early polling can provide insights into how Americans view potential candidates ahead of the election, although surveys aren't always predictive this far in advance. What To Know The Emerson College poll found that Vance held a single-digit lead over three potential candidates: former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The poll surveyed 1,400 U.S. voters from July 21 to July 22, 2025, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Of those three, Buttigieg was held to the tightest margin, with 44 percent backing Vance for president and 43 percent supporting Buttigieg. Buttigieg fueled speculation that he could run for president earlier this year when he announced he would opt out of running statewide in Michigan, where he has lived since his time in President Joe Biden's administration. Newsom, who traveled to early-voting primary state South Carolina this summer, received 42 percent support against Vance's 45 percent, according to the poll. Vice President JD Vance participates in a debate in New York City on October 1, 2024. Vice President JD Vance participates in a debate in New York City on October 1, Ocasio-Cortez, who is a favorite of many progressives, received 41 percent to Vance's 44 percent. Ocasio-Cortez hasn't signaled she plans to run for president, and is also speculated to be a potential Senate candidate against incumbent New York Democrat Chuck Schumer. It notably did not ask about former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has not said whether she plans to run again. She is also reportedly considering a bid for California governor. The poll also found that 47 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump's job performance, while 46 percent approve of him so far. An Overton Insights poll released last month showed that Harris would have a slight lead over Vance, with 45 percent of respondents backing her and 42 percent supporting Vance. That poll surveyed 1,200 registered voters from June 23 to June 26, 2025, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.77 percentage points. What People Are Saying Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, wrote in the polling memo: "A key takeaway from the ballot tests is that about 13% of the electorate remains persuadable, while the other 87% have already settled on a party preference." Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in May: "Democrats do not have the best brand around here or in a lot of places. There's a lot of reasons for that. Some fair, and some not fair." California Governor Gavin Newsom told The Wall Street Journal in June: "I'm not thinking about running, but it's a path that I could see unfold." What Happens Next The 2028 presidential race will continue to unfold over the coming years. Typically, candidates do not announce plans to run until after the midterms, which will be held next November. But speculation about who may be gearing up for a presidential run is sure to continue.
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Newsweek
Elon Musk's Tesla Diner Is Now Open: Here's What People Are Saying
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tesla CEO Elon Musk's new diner opened in Hollywood on Monday, drawing crowds of people hoping to charge their cars and experience the new "retro-futuristic" restaurant. On the social media platform X, Musk posted, "If our retro-futuristic diner turns out well, which I think it will, Tesla will establish these in major cities around the world, as well as at Supercharger sites on long-distance routes. "An island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging!" Newsweek reached out to Tesla requesting further comment. Tesla electric vehicles charge during the opening of the Tesla Diner and Drive-In restaurant and Supercharger on Santa Monica Blvd in the Hollywood neighborhood Los Angeles, California on July 21, 2025. Tesla electric vehicles charge during the opening of the Tesla Diner and Drive-In restaurant and Supercharger on Santa Monica Blvd in the Hollywood neighborhood Los Angeles, California on July 21, 2025. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images What is the Tesla Diner? Musk originally brought up the concept of the retro-diner concept in 2018. The Tesla Diner & Drive-In combines a 1950s-style American diner with Tesla technology. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, it's open 24/7 and features both indoor and outdoor seating for up to 250 people. Visitors—both Tesla owners and walk-ins—can order burgers, wings, hot dogs and milkshakes via kiosks or the Tesla Diner app, which is built into the car's touchscreen. The meals are served in novelty Cybertruck-shaped boxes by roller-skating staff and Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots. While dining, guests watch curated short films on two 45-foot-wide LED screens with audio piped into Tesla car systems for drive-in customers. The diner also functions as a Tesla merchandise store and aims to be a tourist-friendly cultural stop, not just a car-charging hub. What People Are Saying On r/teslamotors, many Reddit users said they enjoyed their experience at the diner. User Radwick_reddit, who visited the diner with his son, told Newsweek in a message that he felt like he was witnessing food history: "Like being at the first McDonald's right after it opened up." He added that the food was pricey, and that he and several other attendees felt the kids' meal should have come with a toy. However, the $11 souvenir cup was well worth it: "Come to find out, the souvenir cup was metal, which you couldn't tell by looking at it," he told Newsweek. "The artwork on the cup is of the Tesla Diner at night, covered in mostly black and neon colors with a nice neon script along one of the sides that says 'Hollywood, CA'." 'It was so on point' After eating, they stood in line to get free popcorn from the Optimus robot, which the user's son enjoyed. According to the user, the robot takes the box, fills it with popcorn, then hands it to you and makes a peace sign with its fingers, holding the pose until you move away. "The couple in front of us swapped positions to take photos with the robot, and it recognized what was happening and caught itself mid-action of turning away so it could turn back to face the camera," he explained. "It was so on point with its reactions, you would think someone was in a back room controlling this thing." 'Food prices are too high' The duo also bought merchandise from the store—a hat and a Cybertruck wind-up toy, which the user said was good quality. "Overall, it was a fun visit, we had a great time, but I think the food prices are too high, probably due to its location of just being a few blocks away from the tourist trap called Hollywood Blvd," he wrote. "In different markets, I can see these diners do well as long as they can have competitive prices. If I were doing a road trip, I would definitely plan my charging stops around stopping at a diner." 'Better than expected' On a separate thread, a Redditor shared the futuristic-looking exterior of the diner. "It looks better than expected now that I see it open," they wrote, adding that they live nearby. "I met the chef putting this place together. Incredibly cool guy! Would eat here for that alone," another user remarked. The Menu One user posted a photo of the menu, which interested several Redditors. One noted that the menu listed that its ingredients were "sourced within range of a fully charged Tesla". "I gotta admit, that's an amusing twist on locally sourced," they added. Other users were impressed that the restaurant appeared to be reasonably priced, with one noting, "For post-pandemic LA, these are extremely affordable prices." 'The Diner of the future' On X, users praised the food and the ambience at the diner, with one praising the diner's burger, giving it a 9/10, as well as Tesla's "Epic Bacon" appetizer, calling it a "must try". He did, however, note that the free popcorn was "legitimately terrible" due to a lack of salt or butter. "Vibes at the Tesla Diner are 10/10 tonight," another user added. "The Diner of the future." Newsweek reached out to users requesting further comment.
