[tombert]

“Tit for tat” and “spite” feel like they are very strong words for what amounted to a justified smartass comment.

If I had shown up fifteen minutes late for the interview I wouldn’t have gotten an offer and the interviewer might have made a comment about it during the interview and people generally wouldn’t call them an asshole for it.

[rkomorn]

Yes, the fact that you don't see a problem with saying "he deserved it" as justification is the signal not to hire.

[tombert]

The fact that you only want to hire workers who won’t call you out when they feel like they have been disrespected is a great way to breed a team of people who resent you.

Regardless, you kind of proved what I was trying to say. Most people don’t actually want directness. The fact that when I was direct with someone you’re treating it like some mafioso retribution is telling.

[mayhemducks]

You know what they say about walking a mile in someone else's shoes? By the time they realize it, you'll be a mile away. And you'll have their shoes!