Millions of people are celebrating pop star Shakira for publicly taking revenge on her ex-husband who cheated on her. Why is it that so many of us enjoy watching someone take revenge? Shakira lives out what many people don't: fantasies of revenge. Many have them, but immediately push them away, feel shame, or punish themselves for it. Revenge fantasies are healthy. If you allow yourself to give them space, you don't just swallow your frustration, but use it to draw a line for yourself and stand up for your own needs: This person hurt me and that's not okay. I have to do something about it.

Access to all STERN PLUS content and articles from the print magazine

ad-free

Already registered?