ADVERTISEMENT

Poets write love notes in a bid to win their lover’s heart, dreamers put their notes in a bottle and let the sea take care of it, and many people like you and me, they can imagine their shopping trip with a grocery list.

But sometimes, notes, or rather their writers, take a more sinister turn. As a result, from time to time, people spot passive-aggressive, weird and questionable notes and messages glued to anywhere from shop windows, coffee places, their own buildings, you name it.

Below we wrapped up some of the most mildly infuriating notes that make you wonder why some thoughts land on paper when they'd have been better off kept inside the writer's head.

#1

This Made Me Mad

This Made Me Mad

ExchangeWise3649 Report

Apathetic Bovine
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's heartbreaking. It looks so well done. Hope they found a different baby (and more appreciative parent!) to gift it to.

View more comments

To find out when leaving a note to someone is a good idea and when it isn’t, as well as how to sound nice in writing or when it is better to talk face-to-face, Bored Panda reached out to Beth Collier, a communication, creativity, & leadership consultant.

RELATED:
    #2

    Racist Karen Left This Note

    Racist Karen Left This Note

    ibiza54 Report

    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh s**t. I dated a Chinese guy for 22 years and I'm a white person who was adopted at birth into a Mexican family. Not only did I sin with interracial dating, I sinned with INTERRACIAL BEING ALIVE!!! XD Also, "a neighbor" is such a racist chode-gargler. I was going to give them cráp for the horribly racist and pejorative term "Indian" vs. "indigenous person" or "Native" or even, you know, the actual tribe name/tribe identity of the person they sent the letter to. Then I remembered that árseholes like "a neighbor" just don't care.

    View more comments
    #3

    Found In A Tenancy Facebook Group

    Found In A Tenancy Facebook Group

    ReadingWritngHotline Report

    Happiness is Hippo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is shocking - not that they're trying to unfairly withhold bond, but that they're brazen enough to post about it!

    View more comments

    When asked whether leaving a note to your neighbors about something that you don't like is the way to go, Beth said that it depends on the situation.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “A face-to-face conversation can be preferable, as you can get more information (and possibly a resolution) faster from a conversation.” She explained: “For example, your neighbor may not realize that their music is loud or that their barking dog is bothering you, and you might be able to resolve this situation quickly through a short conversation.”

    #4

    That’s So Wrong

    That’s So Wrong

    Ryanfunroe Report

    Lil Potato
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    don't listen to him diamond- you can do so much better

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    My Work Doesn’t Allow You To Use A Toilet As A Toilet

    My Work Doesn’t Allow You To Use A Toilet As A Toilet

    heichousbleach Report

    Lil Potato
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop! this bowl is for cereal only- if wishing to eat chile use other bowl!

    View more comments
    #6

    I Was Recently Engaged To My Girlfriend And Someone Sent Me This In The Mail

    I Was Recently Engaged To My Girlfriend And Someone Sent Me This In The Mail

    jessiphia Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    On the other hand, the leadership consultant argues, “if you leave a note instead, your neighbor may interpret your message more critically, and may respond more negatively as a result.”

    Beth says that if you don't feel safe or comfortable speaking to the neighbor, then it's OK to write a note, “just choose your words carefully."

    #7

    The First Time I Went By Myself. Today I Took My Husband With Me. Spot The Difference

    The First Time I Went By Myself. Today I Took My Husband With Me. Spot The Difference

    sciencemint Report

    #8

    Apparently Submitting Assignments Before The Due Date Is Considered “Late”

    Apparently Submitting Assignments Before The Due Date Is Considered “Late”

    videoresume Report

    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Report to the department head and college dean. Threaten to tell reporters unless its fixed

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    This Note Left On A Truck

    This Note Left On A Truck

    drake-francis Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In order not to sound passive-aggressive in a note that could potentially aggravate the situation, Beth’s advice is to “be polite, explain the situation, and look for a solution together. Your neighbor may be inconsiderate, but they may not know there is even an issue.”

    Beth argues that it’s best to “write the note like an adult speaking to another adult - not like a parent speaking to a naughty child. Keep your message short and simple - but be clear about what the issue is, and what you want.”

    #10

    This Poorly Written Letter From My Passive Aggressive Neighbor Telling Me To Remove My 'Legally-Owned' Plants From My Property

    This Poorly Written Letter From My Passive Aggressive Neighbor Telling Me To Remove My 'Legally-Owned' Plants From My Property

    HedgehogSmoothie Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this the police? Yes, I'd like to report fake plants on someone's porch.

    View more comments
    #11

    Left On My Sister’s Windshield… Who Is From Asheville, But Has South Carolina Plates… Stay Classy Asheville

    Left On My Sister’s Windshield… Who Is From Asheville, But Has South Carolina Plates… Stay Classy Asheville

    Cylant Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go away and take that tourist money our economy benefits from with you immediately!!!!1

    Sonja
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell that to the former citizens of Prague, a town completely ruined by tourism that became so expensive that during COVID it became a ghost town because no one actually lives there anymore. Tourism can absolutely be a horrible impact to any city. This here is still wrong of course. Not every visitor is a tourist

    Load More Replies...
    ChariotLee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tourists are not the thing ruining Asheville, I can tell you that.

    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I ran into something like this in San Sebastian, Spain. Except the idiots that didn't want our tourism money decided to deface their own beautiful town by spray painting it across scenic outlooks. So now it's ruined for tourists and the citizens! Solid!

    G.G. Canuck
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was under the impression that Americans were free to roam America at their leisure.

    Praecordia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like how this person had these printed and no doubt made a bunch to pass out to all the tourists. Lol get a life buddy.

    Ovata Acronicta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spent the bulk of my childhood in central WI. Born in IL, have been living back here again for more of my life now. Some of my family is still in central WI and I get this treatment with my IL plate when I'm up there. It's ridiculous.

    Amy Taylor
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm in LA and we do quite a bit of filming here, lol...most are very aware of this, but then we get the ones that come out and scream at the crew, even though they were notified days in advance, and if they are going to be on their property, they are paid massive amounts of money. The city gets paid a huge fee as well as it benefitting the local businesses. We were filming a commercial in Pasadena in a residential area when Karen came out screaming that we were filming in front of her dad's house and he was out of town. The location manager said that he signed off on it, and was getting a fee, she said that we were all liars and called him on her mobile... he told her that he absolutely gave permission and that she needed to mind her own business, lol

    Matt Fridolfs
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bro there team is literally called Asheville tourists lol

    Nikki Angulo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People were doing that during Covid. It’s like, I just moved here, I did my two weeks isolation, how do you propose I get new plates when EVERYTHING IS SHUT DOWN?!

    Large Toaster
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So they named the minor league baseball team the Asheville Tourists to spite all those jerks...

    Reinaldo Fuentes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Leave! We want to die in poverty like the simple, honest rubes we are!

    BatPhace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure the small businesses that rely on all that tourism would disagree ffs

    Istvan Kozak
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like it's time to take a trip to Asheville

    JP Purves
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, like North Carolina is completely different from South Carolina.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Without tourism Asheville would implode. That would be like people doing this in Gatlinburg.

    Illustrious G
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, does the person that left this note ACTUALLY think it would dissuade someone from staying? Like, “I was going to stay a week but I guess I’m not welcome and I’ll leave now because if this helpful note!” ???

    Limeydragon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bro, I would just throw the damn paper away

    Michelle Davis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't help but laugh that the local baseball team is Asheville Tourists. Without tourism Asheville wouldn't be much at all. Tourism is a huge part of the income. The problem is that the infrastructure, especially water and roads, aren't where they need to be in order to handle the growth.

    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, since about 80% of people who live in Asheville weren't born there the person who left this probably started as a tourist - sort of ironic isn't it. My husband grew up not too far from Asheville, we know this area and the people who live there well.

    Vermontah
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every state feels that way but we want your tourism money. So come visit the nice overpriced parts of our state and spend spend spend

    Laura Williams
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously some people can't help sharing their stupidity. Sorry.

    Steve Robert
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From asholes that live in Asheville

    Blackheart
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an employee of the state, I love tourists. They pay my salary

    No Way
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Asheville has indeed been ruined, but it wasn't ruined by tourists.

    No Name
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In grad school I got a note telling me to go to Canada and leave the US to "real Americans, you snowflake," because I covered flaky unremovable parking decals from undergrad with the free bumper stickers I got from donating to various progressive organizations.

    Disturbingly Pragmatic
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing says tourist destination like...um...Asheville...

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone from Assville left that note. Don't mind them, they're in the wrong town.

    Petra Schaap
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    whats so special about Assville then?

    Sisyphus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I fully support this message!

    Demosthenes
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I mean, they aren’t wrong, tourists are ruining Asheville

    View more comments
    #12

    Student Gets A Zero On An Assignment For Turning It In Unstapled

    Student Gets A Zero On An Assignment For Turning It In Unstapled

    DimitriTooProBro Report

    Happiness is Hippo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would appeal this, take it to the head of faculty. It's nasty power play and nothing to do with academic ability.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    "If you know the neighbor and have a decent relationship with them, it can be easier (and faster) to speak to them face-to-face. When you talk to someone face-to-face, it is easier to communicate your tone and meaning than it is in writing,” Beth explained.

    She also reminds readers to think about timing if you approach them (e.g. you might want to avoid meal times, or late at night/first thing in the morning). “And don't approach them when you're angry."

    #13

    One Of A Seemingly Endless Series Of Unreasonable Notes Left By My Boss. It’s Great Here

    One Of A Seemingly Endless Series Of Unreasonable Notes Left By My Boss. It’s Great Here

    Rich-P Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they can't afford electricity, they surely can't afford to pay wages.

    View more comments
    #14

    Went To A Friendsgiving, They Let Their Neighbor Know Ahead Of Time That They Would Be Having People Over, It Was 4:45pm On A Saturday And About 6 People Were There At That Point. He Abruptly Knocked On The Door Once, Taped This Note To The Door And Ran Off

    Went To A Friendsgiving, They Let Their Neighbor Know Ahead Of Time That They Would Be Having People Over, It Was 4:45pm On A Saturday And About 6 People Were There At That Point. He Abruptly Knocked On The Door Once, Taped This Note To The Door And Ran Off

    gravityandlove Report

    #15

    What Is Wrong With People? Open Your Own Mail

    What Is Wrong With People? Open Your Own Mail

    CashmirFunk Report

    Lil Potato
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    got curious over what was in a birthday card? more like wondering if there was money

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #16

    I'm *Trying* To Date And I Encounter This Constantly. Why Is It Such A Big Deal That I Choose Not To Drink Alcohol?

    I'm *Trying* To Date And I Encounter This Constantly. Why Is It Such A Big Deal That I Choose Not To Drink Alcohol?

    DarthSadie Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    This USPS Delivery Guy Who Left A Passive-Agressive Note On My Mother's Package Of Cat Food. She Has An Injured Back

    This USPS Delivery Guy Who Left A Passive-Agressive Note On My Mother's Package Of Cat Food. She Has An Injured Back

    demomans_third_nut Report

    #18

    They Took Out All The Milk We Stored For My 3 Kids And Left Us This Note

    They Took Out All The Milk We Stored For My 3 Kids And Left Us This Note

    avelertimetr Report

    #19

    Found This Note On My Car After Work

    Found This Note On My Car After Work

    showmeurkittys Report

    waddles
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i don’t often use such language but WHAT AN ABSOLUTE A*****E

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #20

    Dunkin’ Donuts By Me Blatantly Admitting That They Use Ice To Give You Less Coffee In Your Drink

    Dunkin’ Donuts By Me Blatantly Admitting That They Use Ice To Give You Less Coffee In Your Drink

    CrazyBigHog Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #21

    Neighbor Took Delivery Of A Package That Our Business Purchased, Used The Contents, And Now Wants Us To Pay For The Scraps

    Neighbor Took Delivery Of A Package That Our Business Purchased, Used The Contents, And Now Wants Us To Pay For The Scraps

    BigMacDaddy99 Report

    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's... literally theft. I hope OP took this literal signed confession to the police!

    View more comments
    #22

    Somebody Left This Note On My Car… In My Assigned Space…

    Somebody Left This Note On My Car… In My Assigned Space…

    kubrickfanclub_ Report

    Shyla Bouche
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Were you complaining about yourself parking in your assigned space? Perhaps you should give yourself a good talking to.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    *Gasp* Imagine Having The Audacity To Walk Barefoot In Your Own Apartment

    *Gasp* Imagine Having The Audacity To Walk Barefoot In Your Own Apartment

    AddieStark Report

    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd get me a nice pair of "indoor" Doc Martens and fire up some YouTube videos on learning Riverdance....

    View more comments
    #24

    But… It Is…

    But… It Is…

    5dogs0problems Report

    Neuridivergent
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if EV, maybe they weren't charging, which is why the writer thought it wasn't electric. And that begs the question, why take the spot if you don't need to charge?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    So Sorry About Stealing Your Golf Clubs. Here's My Old Sh**ty Set... A Neighbor Of Mine Woke Up To Find This Note On Her Van The Day After It Was Broken Into

    So Sorry About Stealing Your Golf Clubs. Here's My Old Sh**ty Set... A Neighbor Of Mine Woke Up To Find This Note On Her Van The Day After It Was Broken Into

    the_sad_puppet_show Report

    Lil Potato
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the fact he planned it out so much to even type out a note, and he still was like 'hey this is a good idea'

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    This Note In The Window Of A DQ Here In Eastern KY

    This Note In The Window Of A DQ Here In Eastern KY

    my_brain_tickles Report

    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, yeah, the government stimulus packages (of which none are even enough to cover an average month's rental cost) are TOTALLY the reason why "no one" wants to work in customer service/fast food/retail any more. Yep. Totally. The government.

    View more comments
    #27

    Found This Note Taped To Our Door After A Dog In The Complex Barked All Morning. We Don’t Own A Dog And We Were At Home All Day

    Found This Note Taped To Our Door After A Dog In The Complex Barked All Morning. We Don’t Own A Dog And We Were At Home All Day

    lobstertrot Report

    EmBree
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A friend had a neighbor making calls about nuisance noise. Here the one that is too loud has to pay 300€. The first time she did have guests and the guard wrote her a ticket, even though they admitted that they didn't hear the guests being too loud. Then there were several calls from the same neighbor and the guards wrote no tickets since they found no disturbance. The last time they called her on the phone and found that she was not at home. From that point, the neighbor had to pay for the tickets. Sadly it turned out that he had undiagnosed schizophrenia. The sounds were real, but only to him.

    View more comments
    #28

    Got This Note From A Concerned Citizen. I Have An Electric Car And It Has “Dog Mode” Which Means It Uses Electricity To Keep The AC Running So My Groceries Don’t Overheat While I Made A Quick Stop In Another Store… there Were Only Gas Guzzlers Parked Next To Me

    Got This Note From A Concerned Citizen. I Have An Electric Car And It Has “Dog Mode” Which Means It Uses Electricity To Keep The AC Running So My Groceries Don’t Overheat While I Made A Quick Stop In Another Store… there Were Only Gas Guzzlers Parked Next To Me

    BetaCulture Report

    Jessiebean
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need this car. Dog mode?! Yes, please!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Received In The Mail From A Concerned Neighbor

    Received In The Mail From A Concerned Neighbor

    mahelke Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #30

    My Roommate Thinks I Should Pay For Things I Had No Idea They Were Buying

    My Roommate Thinks I Should Pay For Things I Had No Idea They Were Buying

    Fml2023 Report

    Rahul Pawa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh....this isn't so bad....it's a request, not a demand. I'm guessing if the shopper had responded poorly to having their request rejected, it would have been included in the image.

    View more comments
    #31

    Someone’s Been Leaving Notes On My Car At Work, This Is The Most Recent And In Depth One Yet. Nope

    Someone’s Been Leaving Notes On My Car At Work, This Is The Most Recent And In Depth One Yet. Nope

    Zeddstar2000 Report

    #32

    Message I Received When Attempting To Cancel My Gym Membership

    Message I Received When Attempting To Cancel My Gym Membership

    TheGeekThatStoleTech Report

    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless that information is written in the original contract in order to cancel, it's not legal. Just tell your bank that any payments to them are no longer authorized.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    My Friends Were Having A Discussion About Sororities And Frats At Breakfast Today. Apparently, Some Sorority Girls Were Eaves Dropping And Gave Us This Passive Aggressive Note Then Ran Off

    My Friends Were Having A Discussion About Sororities And Frats At Breakfast Today. Apparently, Some Sorority Girls Were Eaves Dropping And Gave Us This Passive Aggressive Note Then Ran Off

    PixelsAreYourFriends Report

    Rahul Pawa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't see how this is passive aggressive. It wasn't really their business to insert themselves in the conversation, but they seem to have done it in the most respectful way possible. They weren't confrontational, they didn't cause a scene, the note is polite and positive. I don't see the big problem here.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT