in my case, my x is only happy when she's miserable. she's in her glory when she can complain about someone, or how she's been wronged, or how someone did something stupid that really messed up her day.
of course, now i'm that someone.
but by waiting to ask to switch with only a few days left creates that same situation where x would feel self-justified to complain. "oh, KenF is so inconsiderate, i asked him a long time ago (just a little exaggeration) and he refused, see how awful he is." and she'd get the sympathy party she wanted.
there are those that thrive on chaos and turmoil, and blaming others for their own shortfalls. and they're usually the ones complaining about it the most.
"In a ham and eggs breakfast, the hen is involved, but the pig is committed".
