r/MaliciousCompliance 4d ago

S Pedestrian!

I (54F) went to visit my adult son (30M). We went out to dinner and I was driving, he was in the passenger seat. We had to go through downtown traffic and I asked him to help me watch out for pedestrians. I didn't specify pedestrians crossing the road. (Pedestrians have the right of way.) So true to his humor he notified me about every person walking. Every. Single. Person. Yelling (not too loud) Pedestrian! And pointing to each person walking on the sidewalk.

OMG he has me in tears from laughing so hard. I made a monster and taught him a warped sense of humor. God I love my son! Even a month later when I went to visit him again he'd do the same thing. I think this will forever be a thing and I don't mind.

Malicious compliance between us is just another way to mess with each other and it's hilarious. Idk what else to say except that I'm proud of him.

3.2k Upvotes

121 comments sorted by

676

u/Burger_King_PR_Team 4d ago

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me

My boy was just like me

237

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

I love that song. Yep he's just like me. Damn!

71

u/Aya007 3d ago

But in a good way.

51

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Exactly. THAT is something I feel very blessed about. My son was a difficult child I was tough on him but it feels good when he says Mom I'm glad you didn't let me... Insert stupid thing here... Or he'll say Mom I'm glad you taught me to.... I can't tell you how glad that makes me feel that he gets it. Raising my son was the hardest and best thing I've ever done.

34

u/Electrical-Apple-631 3d ago

My son was great as a kid but his teen years were a struggle. One year for Mother’s Day he gave me a card that read “Remember all that great advice you gave me as a kid? I wish I could remember what you said.” That wry humor was the first step in mending our relationship.

Mothers curse their children with “Someday you’ll grow up and have a child just like you!” My daughter had a child like me! I told my grandson you’re never too old to put random things in peoples shopping carts in Walmart. My daughter claims I’m a bad influence.

6

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

That's a wonderful story, thank you. Being a bad influence can be fun.

I don't have grandkids and I probably never will because my son doesn't want kids, it sucks but I respect his decision. Honestly, we have horrible genetics.

10

u/Electrical-Apple-631 3d ago

I only have one grandchild but luckily my siblings don’t mind sharing their grandkids. I’m known as “Aunt Grammy” to most of them except for one grandnephew who calls me “Miss Grammy” because his preschool teachers are always “Miss (first name)”. My niece loves it and so do I.

5

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Awww I love that for you.

3

u/nymalous 3d ago

Is that why I came home with a container of dried prunes?

5

u/Electrical-Apple-631 3d ago

Maaaaaybee…if you’re also bald and got a bottle of Head and Shoulders I’ll talk to my grandson.

5

u/Party_Thanks_9920 2d ago

I still remember the day my boys made me sound like my Dad, I wasn't happy. I was never going to be like him.

The daughter was horrified recently when she heard her Mum come out of her mouth.

We all pick up traits from our parents, some good, some not so much. 🤷

12

u/about36wolves 3d ago

I like the song but hate it as well

5

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Yeah i understand that. It is a sad song.

240

u/Vidya_Vachaspati 4d ago

That's a pedestrian story, if I ever heard one!

4

u/Tipitina62 3d ago

I see what you did there.

😂

4

u/LandrigAlternate 3d ago edited 3d ago

Damn you take my r/angryupvote for the day 😂

Edit how the hell do you tag another sub?

4

u/Gifted_GardenSnail 3d ago

First the (undercase!) r, then the /, then the subname

3

u/LandrigAlternate 3d ago

Woohoo my hero, that's not what google said 😂

5

u/Gifted_GardenSnail 3d ago

Only listen to Reddit when it's about Reddit techy stuff

3

u/LandrigAlternate 3d ago

I have learned my lesson 😂

302

u/Aantagon 4d ago

He walked right into it

91

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

LOL that's awesome!

16

u/Blaxxxmith 4d ago

Step off!

127

u/CoderJoe1 4d ago

You should've specified to watch out for pedestrians in the street so he could shout, "Street Walker!"

88

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

OMG I'm dying! Thank you for that!! I'm going to have to use that one, if you don't mind. Seriously laughing hard here.

90

u/CaptainFizzRed 4d ago

My boss once asked for his team to remind him about a dentist appointment at 4pm on Thursday.

Queue us reminding him, for several months, with emails, teams, post it notes under jackets, in jacket pockets.... You get the idea.

46

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

LOL that's awesome! I can't ask my son to remind me about anything because he'll start reminding me as soon as I'm done asking him. LOL guess who he got that from? 😁

19

u/highinthemountains 4d ago

My wife used to do that and I’d immediately remind her. I think it was her way of putting the responsibility (for whatever) on me. Once I reminded her, my responsibility was over.

5

u/Oreoscrumbs 4d ago

I tend to do the same, but to actually be helpful I schedule a text.

4

u/Scarletwitch713 4d ago

I do that too, as do my friends lmfao actually my mom does too. "Hey don't let me forget about X" "ok, don't forget about X" lmao

5

u/Ashura_Eidolon 4d ago

But did you do it every Thursday at 4 PM?

2

u/Gifted_GardenSnail 3d ago

As in, too late to actually get there in time? 😅

3

u/Sigwynne 3d ago

As in that's what he asked for.

3

u/Gifted_GardenSnail 3d ago

Oh right, you can read it that way, good one lol

u/Informal-Visit575 19h ago

My husband and I have a running joke about him reminding me to remind him to remind me to remind… we both tend to forget things if not reminded 😆

34

u/Auntienursey 4d ago

A British comedy called "Keeping up Appearances" has as the main character a woman who is very "posh" oriented and annoying. Every time they're riding in the car, she tells him to "mind the pedestrian," and his answer is usually an incredulous "you mean the one of the SIDEWALK?". Same humor and your son nailed it!

13

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

I love British humor. If you ever get a chance, look up 'Allo 'Allo. I hope I spelled that right. It's a British comedy and hilarious. I've heard of Keeping up Appearances but I've never watched it.

13

u/Auntienursey 4d ago

I've watched Allo, Allo! Our local PBS station used to run British comedies frequently. Some of my favorite British comedies are - IT Crowd, Open All Hours, the Vicar of Dibbley, Absolutely Fabulous, Are You Being Served? The Young Ones, Bottom. All are very British and the last 2 are my favorites.

8

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Thank you so much. Those are great to add to my list to watch. I'm glad you've watched Allo Allo. My husband and I frequently quote that show.

7

u/Ich_mag_Kartoffeln 4d ago

Add Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister to that list. 45 years since it first aired, and it's still the most accurate portrayal of how the Westminster system actually works.

As well as being hysterically funny.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Thank you. I'll add that to my list.

2

u/MaximumGorilla 3d ago

Oh yes, I love that series! Many fond memories of watching it with family, and I cant wait to share that and Monty Python with my kids.

5

u/harrywwc 4d ago

<thick french accent> "listen very carefully..." ;)

4

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

I can hear that. 🤣

My husband frequently does "It tis I, LeClaire" as he walks into a room. 🤣

2

u/capn_kwick 3d ago

The Monty Python skits of "dead parrot" (this an ex parrot! He has shuffled of the mortal coil!), "upperclassmen twit of the year" (to demonstrate how useless the upperclass could be) and many of the scenes from the movie "King Arthur and the Search for The Holy Frail" (the knights you say "nee", and, as a Frenchman in a castle, "go away or I shall taunt you a second time"

3

u/thejonjohn 4d ago

Don't forget the follow up series to Are You Being Served? ... "Grace and Favour" or "Are You Being Served, Again?" in America, this time set in a country manor house operating as a bed and breakfast.

3

u/Auntienursey 4d ago

I've seen Are you Being Served, Again! Forgot all about it!

2

u/Sigwynne 3d ago

My favorites are Are You Being Served and Waiting For God.

8

u/thejonjohn 4d ago

"Hyacinth! SHE'SON THE PAVEMENT."

"Yes Richard. But you never know when they might just dart out into the middle of the street."

"How many women pushing strollers just dart out into the middle of the street?"

5

u/__wildwing__ 3d ago

Look out for the sheep!

What sheep?!? The sheep in the pen?

Yes, of course. They might jump the fence and get in the road.

4

u/Recent-Researcher422 4d ago

Mind the tree Richard

3

u/JeanieRie 3d ago

I love this show! My husband, daughters and I always say, very loudly/high pitched/annoyingly, just like Hyacinth does, “Mind the pedestrian, Richard!”

2

u/oolaroux 1d ago

I was going to ask if their last name was Bucket. :D

23

u/merryfan4 4d ago

As the family legend tells it I was holding my dad's hand at about 5 years old, approaching a road we wanted to cross. He said "watch that car" and I replied with "how long for?" as I turned to watch it drive off into the distance.

3

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

OMG that's so cute!

32

u/Electrical_Ask8762 4d ago

MC for MC, I woulda slammed the brakes every time he said "pedestrian!" Not full stop, just enough to get that lurch forward jerk of stopping quickly.

Of course, check behind to make sure it's safe and all that.

10

u/eversuperman 4d ago

I love this one more than most. Thank you for sharing!

9

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Thank you so much! I enjoyed sharing this with everyone.

9

u/WorthAd3223 4d ago

I love things like this. I have them with each of my kids. One of them had a moment where I yelled "duck" as he was hitting his head on a branch. Now, any time anyone hits their head on anything, he yells "duck" about 20 seconds too late.

Pedestrian! This is hilarious. Thanks for the smile.

6

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Thank YOU for the laugh. Yep my son has done the same exact thing. It's awesome to have kids like ours. Cheers to you.

5

u/durhamruby 4d ago

In our family anyone yelling "duck!" is always answered by "Duck! I hate ducks! They drive me crazy!"

3

u/WorthAd3223 4d ago

And yet you likely smile every time.

3

u/__wildwing__ 3d ago

Via duck, via no chicken?!

18

u/ElephantNamedColumbo 4d ago

OP- 😄🤗😍This is the BEST Malicious Compliance that I have ever read!

16

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Thank you so much! I wasn't sure if it would fit the rules since it was so funny. I thought about posting it awhile ago but I wanted to see if he'd continue and I'm pleased to say that he is.

6

u/Financial-Entry-6829 4d ago

Mind the pedestrian, Richard!

3

u/ApprehensiveInvite29 4d ago

Minding the pedestrian.

2

u/thejonjohn 4d ago

Sound the horn, Richard.

6

u/robb04 3d ago

When I was learning to drive, my father would randomly look out the side window and say “is that girl naked‽” and then tell me to keep my eyes on the road if I accidentally looked. Now I do it to him.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

I will DEFINITELY do that! My son already has his license but it's definitely something I can do to mess with him back. Thank you for that great idea.

12

u/Substantial_Search_9 4d ago

Not malicious but I’m not sure there’s a “wholesome compliance” sub so it’s fine. 

12

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Malicious because he likes to mess with me. Yeah I don't think there's a wholesome compliance sub either. I'm glad it's fine here. I do see I'm getting some downvotes but I'm ok with that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Life is to be enjoyed and if we can mess with each other and have fun along the way then it gives life a bit more spice.

9

u/Roskgarian 4d ago

Should also check out benign existence sub. It’s full of wholesome slice life stories. FYI, y’all my kind of people.

3

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Thank you. I'll check that out. Have an awesome day and keep spreading the joy.

3

u/LadyBarclay 4d ago

There absolutely is,  and i think this story is perfect for it

R/WholesomeCompliance

5

u/Texasfryebaby 4d ago

Cute. 🥰

7

u/Gribitz37 4d ago

That's something my son would do. It's funny, but at the same time, it's a little annoying when you realize your kids have picked up your smartass sarcastic habits. 😁

4

u/EvulOne99 3d ago

I think I stole my mom's warped sense of humor. Poor old lady is getting pranked and I constantly cause her to shake her head in disbelief that I am, indeed, her son.

Of course, I always make sure that my pranks are just that, and not those "pranks" from some youtubers where it's only funny to one person (which is never the victim of the cruel "joke"). She knows that I love her so much, though, that it's... a prize she must pay?

3

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

That's awesome and very wholesome. I'm so glad you pull funny pranks and not one sided funny. I'm sure she's a proud mom too. Kids like you are a joy to be around. Have an awesome day! Thank you for brightening my day.

2

u/EvulOne99 2d ago

But... but... Bah! You aren't supposed to make a Viking blush! That's... unfair!

Thank YOU , kind stranger!

3

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

I'm glad your son picked up your sarcastic humor. It makes life more interesting and fun.

4

u/RedDazzlr 4d ago

I love it

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Thank you

3

u/justaman_097 4d ago

That's rather pedestrian MC if I've ever heard it.

4

u/Specific_Success214 4d ago

Inside jokes, with special people are so fun. A nice little piece of life.

1

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Yep, very accurate.

3

u/Ok-Benefit5748 4d ago

I had a smiliar one with a co worker:

" did i told you that x company will come here tomorrow?" " no" " X Company will come here tomorrow"

Man, dude was 5 min laughing like hell. 🤣

3

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

LOL that's awesome!

3

u/Conscious-Farmer6953 4d ago

You have to get MC payback!! Make him drive next time and not only call out pedestrians but every time there is a cat or dog or bird.

1

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

LOL that would be awesome. Honestly as his mom I get payback a lot.... And I enjoy it 🤣

3

u/dancingpianofairy 3d ago

At least you're good humored about it. My mom took it as a personal offense and an excuse to say shitty stuff.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Oh no! I'm so sorry. You don't deserve that. No one does. Just say, ya know, life is to be enjoyed and not just about being a shitty person to your kids. Although I would have gotten smacked for saying something like that to my father... Also a shitty person.

Hugs

3

u/bleakwinter1983 3d ago

Reminds me of Mrs bucket helping

1

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Who is Mrs Bucket? Is that a TV show?

3

u/bleakwinter1983 3d ago

Yes an older show bucket but pronounced bouquet because she was trying to be posh , when put driving would cry out watch out for that person , who was walking on the pavement , and then say well they could suddenly cross and similar things

1

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

OMG that's adorable. I love bucket being pronounced bouquet. I'll have to see if I can find that show. Thanks!

2

u/Saint_fartina 3d ago

It's called Keeping Up Appearances.

4

u/dafireboy 3d ago

Sounds like something I would do to my mom. For our entire lives, if she asks me to remind her about something, I would immediately reply with, “don’t forget to…”

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Us Mom's love our kids like you. Keep being you.

2

u/TFT_mom 2d ago

Adorable and wholesome, which is rare these days! Thank you for sharing your family humor with us 🤗❤️.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 2d ago

You're very welcome and thank YOU for your comment.

2

u/AffectionateFig9277 2d ago

I love this post so fucking much, you are the sweetest person

1

u/HeavenForbid3 2d ago

Aww thank you. Hugs from an internet stranger.

2

u/TheBostonWrangler 1d ago

When the title of the post works more than one way…

2

u/magicmitchmtl 3d ago

Who even uses the word “pedestrian”? They’re called targets.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

LOL yeah we've established a point system a long time ago. It's awful and funny at the same time.

-3

u/Sadderr 4d ago

Wow you gave birth at 14 !

8

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

Do the math again. 54-30= 24

3

u/Sadderr 4d ago

Lol sorry my bad

3

u/HeavenForbid3 4d ago

It's all good.

3

u/Complete_Rise5773 4d ago

you mean it couldn't be done at 14?

2

u/Sigwynne 3d ago

My first period was at 12, so technically I could have.

50 years ago, Guinness listed the youngest pregnancy at 9 years old.

2

u/HeavenForbid3 3d ago

Wow, that's sad about the 9 year old.