True Story: How a Garmin Turned into My Biggest Headache

Garmin Forerunner 255. Yes, this person hated my smart watch.

Back in 2023, I finally ditched my Fitbit. That little tracker had made my life miserable during the Aquaman Aquathlon—yet Fitbit had the nerve to tag the whole fiasco as “sports” (hahaha, sure). I needed structure and a watch that could actually accommodate my routine, including swimming. Sure, there’s the Garmin Vivoactive, but it didn’t track swimming properly. So I went for the Garmin Forerunner 255—the cheapest Garmin that could do the job. Practical, sensible… problem solved, right?

WRONG.

From the moment I bought it, my “friend” decided she had an opinion about my choice. More than that—she threatened to steal my watch. Yes, a brand-new Garmin became the object of envy and outright possessiveness. Did she have a reason? Nope. Did she own a proper version herself? Also nope—a knockoff Apple Watch. Yet suddenly, my personal choice became her battlefield.

The absolute peak of absurdity came at the year-end office party. My Garmin nudged me to rest—literally just doing its job—and she reacted as if the watch had personally insulted her. Seriously. Her anger wasn’t about me or my performance—it was about a device reminding me to take care of myself. That’s when I realized: I had to guard my Garmin like a hawk. A fitness tool that was supposed to make my life easier had turned into a symbol of boundaries tested and patience stretched.

From that day until I left, I had to be constantly aware—who’s near my wrist, who’s making a face, who’s pretending this was some kind of personal challenge. A device meant to measure heart rate and track workouts had suddenly highlighted the absurdities of human behavior: envy, entitlement, and the incredible audacity of thinking someone else’s choice belongs to you.

Lesson learned: some people will interfere with your personal decisions, even over something as mundane as a watch. Sometimes the only way to protect your sanity—and your tech—is to be vigilant, assertive, and unapologetically stubborn. And maybe, just maybe, to buy a Forerunner that actually fits your routine.

Who knew a watch could cause more drama than a reality show?

These are stories I just wanted to get off my chest. And if she ever stumbles on this story… well, I honestly don’t care.