I think they’re the same concept framed two different ways. The former sort of tries to justify such behavior by making it sound like the other person deserves it. The latter is what I agree with more, and says that behaving badly is not justified just because someone else did it first.

I see no difference. It doesn’t do anyone any good, so I avoid it as much as possible.

Its one and the same. To say it isn’t is merely semantics.

I don’t think there’s a difference in the acts, but a different rationale behind each. People seem to say they’re giving someone a taste of their own medicine when they want the person to learn something from it. “There, now I was mean back to you. How do you like it? Maybe you won’t do it again, now.” The other doesn’t seem to have that element to it…it’s an emotional reaction. Either way, the result is the same, and not good.

Hmm, I always thought that giving someone a “taste of their own medicine” was a bit like showing them what they are doing wrong and letting them feel the pain they hashed out, but without serious repercussions. For example, if someone throws my homework away I might pretend to throw that person’s homework away. They would go through the motions, and then I would reveal that I had it all along and give it back to them! No real harm done. It was just to “teach” them how it felt to be in that circumstance.

Welcome to Fluther, @McCool!

Thank you, @augustlan!

I ask some questions, and answer some based upon my own personal experiences with others, and this question was no exception. I think I’ve lost count on how many people (including myself) seem to use both statements.

@McCool I agree, thanks for responding. Sometimes the only way for certain people to improve their behavior, and have compassion for others is to put them in a position where they get to have a taste of the bad things they did to others.

For some reason this put me in the mind of idea of tasting one’s own bodily emissions. So they taste themselves, or you do the tasting. I guess that’s what it comes down to: who is doing the tasting.

@Paradox25 First hand experiences tend to make more of an impact and lasting impression. I think most of us have found this out some way or another! :)

@wundayatta That sounds rather unappetizing!