Before the days of iPhones, the internet, DVR, et cetera, we had to find ways to keep ourselves from getting bored. One thing I still love to this day is pulling pranks. But sometimes I wondered when I was being fair, and when I was just being a jerk for no reason.

Then I had an epiphany: Pranks are not about revenge. They’re about opportunity.

Sure, it’s funny to fill your friend’s dorm with balloons if she pranked you before, but it’s way more fun when she leaves for the weekend with absolutely no clue what’s going to be waiting for her when she returns.

My brother always steals my Oreos. I had kind of given up and was just living with it, until I saw a tube of toothpaste next to the Oreo package. I don’t even need to tell you what I did.

The reasons for my belief? I believe this for two reasons:

1. Pranks should be impulsive. That way when you get in trouble later, you can just say it was spontaneous and you didn’t know what you were doing.
2. Revenge pranks are expected! When my brother ticks me off and knows I’m mad, he watches his back. No, he doesn’t change his behavior toward me, he simply looks out for himself, thus foiling any revengeful plans I have for him. PLUS when they’re done out of opportunity instead of revenge, you might even get out of the blame! If you have no reason to prank someone, they won’t come looking for you right away.

Yes, if you pull pranks like this every single day, you will get a reputation as a jerk. So do so sparingly. But don’t forget: Pranks are not about revenge. They’re about opportunity. Don’t let one pass you by.