Forgive and forget? Not for Polly Hudson, who proudly holds grudges and boycotts businesses over perceived slights. She cites celebrity party planner Fran Cutler, who told the Second Act with Ateh Jewel podcast that she keeps a physical list of people she has issues with. "I write it down at night when I'm bored," Cutler said. "I don't talk about them; I just keep it on a list."
The Grudge-Holder's Code
Hudson argues that holding a grudge proves dedication, determination, and principles. It's not about revenge but taking a stand, regardless of personal inconvenience. She admits her grudges follow a pattern: held against near-strangers, hurting only herself, while the other party remains oblivious.
Personal Boycotts
Hudson's home choice was influenced by a nearby parade of shops, but after disputes over yoghurt, a card policy, and her husband's trousers, she now boycotts all three—costing them an estimated £12 a year. She also refused to watch the TV show DTF St Louis due to her loyalty to Lily Allen, a stranger.
The Cruffin Incident
A local bakery's cruffins (part croissant, part muffin) became the target of Hudson's grudge after a curt interaction with a staff member. "You would have to come in much, much earlier than this if you ever wanted to stand a chance of buying a cruffin," the woman said. Hudson now refuses to enter the shop, even after it moved to larger premises.
A Principled Stand
Hudson concludes that holding grudges makes the world a better place by teaching wrongdoers to treat others better, even if they are unaware of the boycott. "We're stubbornly, quietly, making life better for everybody, one vendetta at a time," she writes.
