Revenge is a Bitch

Revenge is defined as the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for a wrong suffered at their hands.  I also see it as an inability to forgive and move on.  I can understand completely why a person would want to see someone suffer for doing them dirty. It is a natural reaction to want retribution for the pain inflicted upon you. How far you are willing to take it, is another issue.  The path to revenge is toxic and it can consume you.

"You Are My Soulmate Forever!"

One of the revenge stories to grab my attention was that of YaVaughnie Wilkins. She was the mistress of  Charles Philips, the former president of  the software company, Oracle and a senior member of President Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board.  The brother has quite an impressive resume.  Ms. Wilkins had been in an eight year relationship with a successful married man and in early 2010 after it went sour she placed a billboard on West 52nd Street near Times Square titled "Your are my soul mate".  Apparently that was a phrase he professed to her.  I am not in advertising, but I know that billboard in Manhattan carried a steep price. She posted additional billboards in Atlanta and San Francisco each linking it to her website.

The website revealed intimate moments between her and the executive. They had quite a history together despite his wife and kids. Vacations to China and Sydney, trips on a yacht, love notes,etc., were all put on display to embarrass him. She did everything short of releasing an infamous sex tape.  Did he make promises he wouldn't keep?  Was she delusional from the jump? Who knows.

September 2010 Charles Philips resigns from his position at Oracle, but don't cry for him he is currently the CEO of a software provider in New York.  Ms. Wilkins now has a documentary about the long affair scheduled to screen at the Harlem Festival. She is also suing the director of the film who she claims is in dealings with Philips who wants to purchase the documentary.  Charles Philips who was in divorce proceedings in 2008 has reconciled with his wife.

Is YaVaughnie Wilkins getting revenge at this point or is she punishing herself?  The emotional energy and financial resources she has committed are ridiculous. In the beginning revenge seems victorious but the sweet feeling fades.  At some point you have to stop dwelling on past relationships, bury them, and move forward.