Don’t Get Mad, Get…

Soak for 5-8 minutes, depending on severity. Warning: Please wait until roommate leaves apartment before attempting.

Wait…don’t. According to scientists in Germany, people who focus on getting even have less life satisfaction, fewer jobs and even fewer friends. I bet these scientists have never had a roommate who convinced the landlord to overcharge them for rent. Because if they did, they would know that using said roommate’s toothbrush to scrub the toilet is actually very satisfying, and who wants to be friends with him?

But anyway, getting even, according to this article from Psych Central, is a reflection of a focus on “negative reciprocity,” and it is separate from “positive reciprocity” like when you buy a friend a drink for helping you move. These two are independent, and you can have one more than the other, which can possibly negatively affect your life.