Question from a reader:
I was cheated on, but would making the other person drink kitchen bleach be a crime?

To Those Who Have Been Cheated On: Is Making Someone Drink Kitchen Bleach a Crime?

Hello everyone. Today, I want to talk about a somewhat serious topic. When faced with the painful experience of infidelity, emotions can run high, and you
might find yourself acting impulsively. However, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of such actions and what is legally permissible.

The Pain of Infidelity and the Emotions That Follow

First of all, I have experienced how painful it is to be cheated on. In that moment, it feels like the world is collapsing, and anger and sadness intertwine. You might find yourself wondering why they did such a thing and what they were feeling while being unfaithful, and your mind just keeps spinning. In the midst of such emotions, it’s natural to think, “I want to get a little revenge on that person.” I have shared this feeling with friends before, jokingly saying things like, “I want to make them drink kitchen bleach!” However, because it was a joke, I want to take a moment to think seriously about it.

The Legal Perspective on Making Someone Drink Kitchen Bleach

Now, let’s get to the main topic. Kitchen bleach is well-known as a cleaning agent, but drinking it is absolutely not recommended. In fact, consuming it can cause serious health issues. So, what is the legal standing of making someone drink kitchen bleach? First, acting with the intent to harm someone could potentially fall under the legal definition of “assault.” According to Article 204 of the Japanese Penal Code, “A person who injures another’s life or body shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine of not more than 500,000 yen.” In other words, even if you have been cheated on, causing harm to the other person could be severely punished by law.

Stay Calm and Don’t Get Carried Away by Emotions

When emotions are running high, it is essential to maintain your composure. I have regretted acting out of anger or sadness many times. That’s why it’s important to avoid such impulsive actions. Consulting with friends or talking to a professional can help you sort through your emotions.

How to Cope When You’ve Been Cheated On

So, how should you cope when you’ve been cheated on? Here are a few points to consider.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

First, it’s important to fully acknowledge your feelings. Don’t deny the hurt and anger you’re experiencing; recognize that “feeling this way is natural.” I have had periods where I ignored my emotions, but ultimately, those feelings lingered and affected me.

2. Have a Discussion

If possible, having a conversation with the other person can be one approach. By calmly expressing each other’s feelings, you might be able to repair the relationship. However, it’s crucial to avoid becoming emotional during this discussion.

3. Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, seeking help from a professional is important. Counseling can help you organize your feelings and find the next steps to take. A friend of mine said that after receiving counseling, they were able to sort out their emotions and move on to the next stage in a healthier way.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Being cheated on can lower your self-esteem, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Spending time on hobbies or things you enjoy can help you rediscover yourself and aid in emotional recovery.

Conclusion

The emotions that arise when you’ve been cheated on are incredibly complex and painful. However, acting impulsively out of those emotions often leads to poor outcomes, both legally and ethically. Actions like making someone drink kitchen bleach are legally very dangerous. By calming down, acknowledging your feelings, and considering appropriate responses, I believe you can gradually move forward. What’s important is to cherish yourself and look toward the future. Let’s overcome this painful experience and create a better version of ourselves. Thank you for reading until the end. I hope this helps you regain some peace of mind.