“King, I Bow To Your Pettiness”: People Are Loving This Man’s Revenge Against Overbearing MIL

Tensions between mothers-in-law and sons-in-law aren’t as common as hostility between MILs and DILs. In her 2008 book, psychologist Terri Apter found that two-thirds of women report a bad relationship with their mother-in-law. Only 15% of husbands, on the other hand, said their relationship with their MIL is tense.

This husband’s patience ended when his overbearing MIL flipped the toilet paper roll so that it went under. Frustrated by this nonsensical gesture, he decided to get revenge. For the next 15 years, he made sure that all the toilet paper rolls at the MIL’s house were facing the wrong way.

A controlling MIL repeatedly tested the patience of a couple, but one small action made the husband decide he’d had enough

A couple in discussion with a controlling mother-in-law in a cozy bedroom setting.

Image credits: Image-Source (not the actual photo)

When she messed with their toilet paper, he decided to return the favor and do the same at her house but cranked it up to 11

Text image highlighting husband's frustration with controlling MIL's tendencies.

Text describing a husband's frustration with his mother-in-law's controlling behavior.

Text block discussing setting boundaries with a controlling mother-in-law.

Text about MIL's comments on home control and decor decisions.

Toilet paper roll flipped incorrectly on holder, highlighting controlling tendencies issues.

Image credits: 69helloreddit69 (not the actual photo)

Text describing a husband's frustration with controlling mother-in-law over toilet paper orientation.

Text about a controlling MIL changing the toilet paper roll orientation.

Text about husband's response to MIL's control over toilet paper orientation.

Text recounting husband’s conflict with MIL over toilet paper roll orientation.

Image credits: 69helloreddit69

Settling the great toilet paper debate: which way is the right way to mount your roll

One of the commenters patted the OP on the back for his revenge, but wondered if he flipped the toilet paper roll the right way: “I just hope you were the one doing it correctly.” While it can be a matter of preference, which way is the right way to put the toilet paper roll? And is there even a right way?

Some scientists would say that there is. Putting your toilet paper roll “over” can result in a lesser chance of contracting food poisoning. Researchers claim that when toilet paper is put with the end hanging under the holder, people might accidentally touch the wall, possibly leaving or picking up bacteria.

When the toilet paper roll is put “over”, people only touch the paper and all the harmful bacteria that might cause food poisoning or other ailments get flushed dow the toilet.

The person who patented the “wheeler” or what we simply call a toilet roll holder nowadays, Seth Wheeler, included illustrations in his patent of how the toilet paper roll should be mounted. The images clearly show that the “over” position.

Interestingly, majority of wipers also prefer to use the “over” mounting method. According to Cottonelle, 70% of Americans use the “over” position. Many explain their preference saying that the paper is closer to you this way, so, you can rip it from a seated position and makes it easier to tear.

However, the “under” people also have their reasons, and they’re not invalid. Some think that the toilet paper hanging closer to the wall looks tidier and goes better with minimal bathroom interior. Those who have pets or children may also like the “under” method more, as accidental unrollings are nearly impossible.

Other people may prefer the “under” method because it’s more economically efficient. When the roll is in the “under position”, people supposedly use less and don’t overroll, leading to less consumption of TP.

Image credits: drazenphoto (not the actual photo)

Women report having bad relationships with their MILs more often than men

Stories of overbearing and toxic MILs run rampant on the internet. But it is true that we more often see women having trouble with their MILs. Research even shows that in most couples, women are more likely to have a bad relationship with their in-laws than with their own mothers. But in this situation, both the husband and the wife wish to minimize their contact with the mother-in-law.

Interestingly, both men and women report more interference in family life by an in-law after having children. A Finnish study found that a grandchild influences grandparents to want to interfere more into a family’s life.

One thing, however, is clear: a married couple needs to stand together against a controlling mother-in-law, no matter whose mother she is. In 2015, researchers found that couples who prioritize their marriage and side with their spouse in conflicts with in-laws report happier marriages.

Image credits: YuriArcursPeopleimages (not the actual photo)

“Love how petty this is,” people in the comments rejoiced in the husband’s choice of revenge

Reddit comment exchange about mother-in-law’s controlling tendencies and toilet paper roll.

Reddit comments discuss MIL's preference for toilet paper orientation, highlighting a common household debate.

Online comments discussing MIL's controlling tendencies and going no contact.

Reddit comments discussing mother-in-law's controlling tendencies about toilet paper.

Comment on husband's frustration with MIL's controlling tendencies, highlighting pettiness and support from others.

Comment on Reddit about petty revenge related to controlling tendencies.

Reddit comment about husband and MIL controlling tendencies story.

Comment on mother-in-law's controlling tendencies over toilet paper, suggesting humorous revenge.

Comment laughing about MIL's controlling tendencies, posted 2 days ago with 17 points.

Reddit user comment on MIL's controlling behavior regarding toilet paper direction.

Comment about dealing with MIL’s toilet paper habits, suggesting a messy re-roll as a prank.

Reddit comment praising a husband's reaction to MIL's controlling behavior.

A humorous comment about toilet paper roll preferences and parenting.

Comment by TheRecessiveMeme78 about St John's wort seeds and water cress on upholstery, mentioning toilet paper.

Comment on controlling tendencies, saying "I wouldn't even bother to flush.

Text comment showing internet user's humorous reaction to controlling tendencies.

Comment discussing controlling tendencies and offering a humorous suggestion about setting an alarm clock to a very early time.

Comment about crushing a toilet paper roll to prevent a clean pull, related to MIL's controlling tendencies.

Comment on MIL's controlling behavior about decorating the house.

Reddit comment applauding commitment, referencing MIL's controlling tendencies and toilet paper roll incident.

Comment appreciating pettiness in response to controlling tendencies story.

Comment on MIL’s controlling tendencies and pettiness, applauding the response.

Comment on petty revenge praised as gold standard by user nightcana.

Comment discussing using spray glue for toilet paper roll issue.

Comment discussing toilet paper roll direction in a humorous context about controlling tendencies.

Comment about toilet paper hang debate and controlling mother-in-law tendencies.

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