Ceci n’est pas une note passif-agressif

January 20th, 2008 · 61 comments

Rachel in Virginia says her two roommates, “despite seeing and talking to me multiple times a day, decide to air their grievances through notes.” These grievances include being responsible for a $200 water bill “because i wash my face and hands at night and in the morning.” rachel has decided that enough is enough.

To paraphrase the Dude paraphrasing Bush Senior: This passive-aggression will not stand, man.

I am not longer accepting passive aggressive notes from people I live with. If you want to complain, talk to me like an adult. Heart, Rachel

Meanwhile, Ben in Helena, Montana says he loves passive-aggressive notes.

In fact, he loves them so much that he had these special sticky notes printed up — both as an homage to our humble projet and “to encourage and facilitate the leaving of such notes.”

Another Passive-Aggressive Note from Ben: Please let me know if you need more work to do! :)

Adds Ben, “They’ve proved so popular I already need to order some more.” (Unclear whether this is a good thing.)

related: “That shit is disrespectful”

FILED UNDER: CAPS LOCK · heart · meta · Montana · smiley · Virginia


61 responses so far ↓

  • #1   zenvelo

    Rachel,

    I won’t accept your note! even if it is pink with a heart and smiley face!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 7:50 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #2   Crash bang

    Note # 1, So now the roommates will start writing aggressive / aggressive notes, there will be nothing passive about them anymore.
    And note # 2 makes me wonder which one of us is Ben.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:03 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #3   katherine

    I just had to share this, although, tragically, I did not have my camera with me so I didn’t properly document it.
    On the door of the ceramic studio on Foster Street, Durham NC, today was scrawled in what looked like lipstick
    “Closed Sun. Jan 20 because some irresponsible asshole forgot to show up.”

    I sure hope someone took a photo and will submit it because it was pretty great.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:03 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #4   mamason bang

    Well, what did she think was going to happen? Washing her face and hands at night AND in the morning. The nerve!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:05 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #5   Canthz_B bang

    Refusal to accept passive aggressive notes by use of a note requesting confrontation is perhaps the greatest passive aggressive note of all time!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:19 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #5.1   Writerrejected bang

      I don’t know. Do you think? I immediately decided I didn’t like Rachel for writing that note, for taking a photograph, for sending it in, for thinking she’s clever. PAN should arise out of a complex and maddening situation, not out of smugness, I think.
      But maybe I’m just grumpy because it’s Sunday night.

      Jan 20, 2008 at 8:33 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #5.2   Canthz_B bang

      I’m on a pilgrimage and I am trying not to judge others.
      That having been said…I hate Rachel’s guts! :-)

      Jan 20, 2008 at 8:37 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #5.3   Writerrejected bang

      I admire you greatly, Canthz B. Will you be my guru?

      Jan 21, 2008 at 10:06 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #5.4   Canthz_B bang

      I’m not worthy, WR. Clearly, I’m still a Novice.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 4:42 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #6   Crash bang

    Note # 2 is written by submitter ( Ben ) to someone who obviously shares his passion about p /a notes, maybe at work…Which might be the reason for the content of the note.
    Perhaps Ben’s post-it notes also work as advertising for this sight and creates a distraction for people at work too and consequently creates a great reason for using them ( the p / a post-it’s )…could be kind of a paradox there.
    Anyway…

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:20 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #7   Canthz_B bang

    Note #2…Just how many annoying notes has Ben been leaving? I suspect that most can be found in the bin.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:24 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #8   Writerrejected bang

    RE: #2 At first I was excited because I thought someone had put a PAN on someone’s work computer because playing aorund on this site at work is unacceptable. But it turned out to be just another dude submitting his own clever notes. Bummer.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:36 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #8.1   Crash bang

      Well damn…that just rejects my theory…thanks man.

      ( I thought someone submitted a note about Ben’s p / a post-it note on their own screen. Wasn’t sure if it was Ben or the receiver of the note )

      Jan 20, 2008 at 8:38 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #8.2   Crash bang

      Writerrejected,
      Just to clarify I meant 8.1 in humor, not trying to be facetious there, sorry if it comes out that way, but it’s too late to change that now, so sorry.

      Jan 20, 2008 at 9:33 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #8.3   fantasy bang

      If playing around on this site is unacceptable in the work place I’m afraid there would be very few comments made during working hours and so this site would not see such great and humorous posts because there is nothing better than getting paid while playing. ;)

      Jan 21, 2008 at 1:23 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #8.4   Writerrejected bang

      Took it as a joke, Crash. No worries.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 10:08 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #8.5   mere bang

      WR: i totally thought the same thing at first glance. that this guy was busted for being on the site.
      so sad it wasn’t true.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 12:47 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #9   Crash bang

    Note # 1
    What’s up with all the pink and heart’s anyway ?
    When I was in Jr. High School thats how all the girls wrote who they had crushes on.
    “I heart so and so”….And she wants to be addressed as an adult ? With that note ?
    Ya’ right…Anyway…

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:37 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #9.1   fantasy bang

      Everything is a scrapbook these days…….I just don’t understand it.”Women, if you want to be taken seriously STOP with all the childishness”!
      If you want to be treated like an adult you can’t keep acting like you are in Middle School! It gets to a point where it is embarrassing for all Women! Did we fight so hard for equality just to act like everything is all smiley faces and hearts????

      Jan 21, 2008 at 1:29 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #9.2   park rose bang

      ♥ ♥ ♥ 8) 8) 8) ♥ ♥ ♥

      just kiddin’ with ya’, fantasy. ;)

      Jan 21, 2008 at 1:59 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #9.3   fantasy bang

      ~ROSE~ :D i ~wuv u~ *~how can i respond? Of course in the best scrapbooking style i know~*
      ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~**~*~*~*! u r the bomb!*~*~*~*~ :D :) :( 8) ;) :|
      i xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo wuv u!!! :P

      Jan 21, 2008 at 8:08 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #10   Canthz_B bang

    Hmmm…looks to me like it is Ben who needs more work to do!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:48 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #10.1   Crash bang

      So is Ben using his own made up post-it’s to post p / a notes to himself and leaving them on his own screen at work about him not doing his job at work ??? And submitting them here ??
      Ya’…That’s just not right…

      Jan 20, 2008 at 8:59 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #10.2   fantasy bang

      Maybe he has to remind himself that it is not acceptable to get paid while playing!

      Jan 21, 2008 at 2:06 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #11   amy d bang

    From the desk of your coworkers: Please let one of us know if you need your ass kicked. a:x

    Jan 20, 2008 at 8:55 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #12   amy d bang

    Next from Rachel’s roommates? Passive-Aggressive video.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:02 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #12.1   Writerrejected bang

      Passive Aggressive MP3 Files? An entire radio show? Pod casts? Really, there are many options, aren’t there?

      Jan 21, 2008 at 10:09 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #13   mamason bang

    Rachel’s pants are too tight and her jacket is ugly. I wouldn’t talk to her either.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:05 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #13.1   Kelly

      It is not a stolen Puma jacket.

      Do not approve.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 12:44 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #14   mamason bang

    Another passive aggressive note TO Ben-
    Please let me know when you’re ready for that penmanship class! :-?

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:08 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #14.1   Writerrejected bang

      Yeah, also TO Ben: Get a life, dude.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 10:10 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #15   mamason bang

    If Rachel’s roomies get upset about her hand washing, they must go balistic when she showers!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:10 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #16   Lurker

    Ben’s preprinted notes need more smileys.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:34 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #16.1   Crash bang

      Ya’, that one looks like it’s crying anyway…

      Jan 20, 2008 at 9:36 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #17   Canthz_B bang

    How rarely must one wash before someone else’s washing prompts a note?

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:40 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #18   Ally

    Oh, I’m sure that its only because she washes her face day and night. Come on.

    I don’t trust this girl.

    Jan 20, 2008 at 9:53 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #19   Tyler bang

    I need some of those passive-aggressive stickys for one of my roommates. I’m about to crack and go straight to aggressive notes!

    Team Clean Faced Rachel

    Jan 20, 2008 at 10:13 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #20   fantasy bang

    Her hands do look clean……But her nails are filed so uneven, maybe she needs to do a little more than just wash them?
    I say a proffesional manicure is in order!

    Jan 20, 2008 at 11:08 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #21   Wade bang

    nothing communicates “i am an adult” like an elongated smiley face.

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:01 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #21.1   GVI bang

      That’s one fat smiley.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 11:58 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #22   Crash bang

    I wonder if Ben knew he was subjecting himself to name calling here….Slacker !!! damnit… :D

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:08 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #23   Grimfool_Reluctant bang

    So Rachel didn’t even put the note anywhere, but just sat around holding it? Is that passive-aggressive, or just . . . sad? And how do we pronounce this new word “likean”?

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:13 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #23.1   Crash bang

      Probably sounds like likeen…I’m not “likean” Rachel too much.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 12:22 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #24   park rose bang

    I am no longer accepting passive aggressive notes from people I live with. However, if your residence is elsewhere, any red-penned, smiley-faced complaints, preferably written on butcher paper and stuck on my door with three types of tape, will be gladly accepted.
    Rachel

    xox

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:44 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #25   Canthz_B bang

    The pink on pink sign cries out for a Cupid.
    He could point his arrow at the tight, yeast infection inducing crotch!

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:44 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #25.1   Grimfool_Reluctant bang

      That yeast infection was . . . ah, no, no, I can’t bring myself to say it. I’m sure someone will!

      Jan 21, 2008 at 1:15 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
    • #25.2   fantasy bang

      Yes,I think if I remember right the unitard was burned to keep warm in that cheap ass thrift store!

      Jan 21, 2008 at 1:50 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #26   Crash bang

    If I were her roommate I would move out just so that I could still write her notes…taunting notes…about how she has to pay a $200 water bill by herself now because she wouldn’t take my notes when I lived with her damnit !

    Jan 21, 2008 at 12:54 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #27   Grimfool_Reluctant bang

    These two notes are so creepy and artificial, I immediately thought of Michael Jackson, so, with apologies to the King of Pop (and Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon). . .

    “Ben” (From Rachel)

    Ben, the two of us need search no more
    We both wrote the notes we were looking for
    With sticky and pink pen
    We wrote something to send
    Artificial and pre-planned
    We got our posts on PAN
    (We got our posts on PAN)

    Now, they’re talking ‘bout your penmanship
    While my clothing choices inspire quips
    If you need more work to do
    I’ll wash my face anew
    Talk to me likean adult
    We’ll ignore this P/A cult
    (Ignore this P/A cult)

    I used to scrub
    My hands and face
    In a full tub
    Both night and day
    You used to charm
    Your office friends
    Now they’re alarmed
    By notes you send

    Ben, most people here think we’re too vain
    I am no longer accepting what they’re sayin’
    They’re jealous, maybe worse
    ’Cause we thought of it first
    Artificial and pre-planned,
    We got our posts on PAN
    (Our posts on PAN)
    (On PAN) On PAN!

    Jan 21, 2008 at 1:01 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #28   Cactus_Stan

    $200 water bill??? It seems inconceivable that a small group of roomies could run up such a bill by washing their faces. Is water a scarce commodity in Virginia?

    Jan 21, 2008 at 1:17 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #28.1   Lurker

      Maybe they have really big faces.

      Jan 21, 2008 at 8:43 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #29   fantasy bang

    Who is Ben? Please step forward if you are present. *Ben is among us.* Could it be…YOU???

    Jan 21, 2008 at 1:39 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

    • #29.1   Ben

      Everything that has been said about me here is true.

      To add confusion, there are three people named Ben who work here.

      -Ben

      Jan 22, 2008 at 12:20 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

       
     
  • #30   Team Cassandra bang

    That first sign is just screaming for a huge pink penis as an overlay. *sigh* If only someone would write me a note like that, I would be so happy to oblige!

    As for needing more work…well,… I think I’m doing enough procrastinating already. Don’t you?

    Jan 21, 2008 at 8:22 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #31   fantasy bang

    ~~”RUBBER DUCKY”~~
    Oh, P/A Notes your’e the one!
    You make worktime lot’s of fun
    P/A Notes I’m awfully fond of you
    Bo Bo Bo de Oh!
    P/A Notes joy of joys
    when I respond to you, you make noise
    Luv-a-Duv-Duvie!
    P/A Notes you are my very best friend it’s true!
    Oh, Everyday when I find my way to my computer
    I find a new note that’s cuter,
    agressive and Lovey
    Luv-a-dub-duvvie
    P/A Notes you’re so fine
    and I’m lucky to know you are mine
    BoBoBo de Oh!
    P/A Notes I’m awfully fond of
    P/A Notes I’m Awfully fond of YOU!!!!
    Bo Bo Bo D-de Oh!
    Luv-a-duv-duvvie!
    I’m awfully fond of YOU!!!! ;)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SZSBvC4g_o

    Jan 21, 2008 at 8:57 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #32   fantasy bang

    CORRECTION!!!! YOU TUBE IS WRONG!!!!! I give up!!! I think I may get aggressive Today!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltMDeoxT5rs

    Jan 21, 2008 at 9:22 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #33   Writerrejected bang

    I think Rachel should have started to WASH the P/A notes her roommates were leaving her about the fact that she washes her hands and face too much. A little soap and water and then ring the notes out to dry and leave them somewhere prominent.

    It would be like OCD-ing the whole passive aggressive movement in her household.

    Jan 21, 2008 at 10:14 am   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #34   garçon à la pipe?

    [...] ceci n’est pas une note passif-agressif digg_skin = ‘compact’; reddit!   stumble it!   function fbs_click() { [...]

    Jul 13, 2008 at 10:23 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #35   fuhuck

    Passive aggression is the only way to deal with today’s mass-grunted-out crop of simpletons.

    We’re no longer allowed to take a whip to them….

    Sep 3, 2008 at 5:53 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     
  • #36   Warning: Beware of banana peels, falling anvils, and wet paint | PassiveAggressiveNotes.com

    [...] Ceci n’est pas une note passif-agressif TweetShare0mail [...]

    Nov 16, 2010 at 6:28 pm   rating: 90  small thumbs up

     

Comments are Closed