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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think don't keep taking my drink at work?

896 replies

openitsoicanseeyousmile · 12/10/2019 15:34

I'm known to bring a can of drink in everyday for lunch. It's kept in the shared fridge at work - Everyone knowns it's mine as there's a little section box for each person with their name on.

A colleague of mine is pregnant and for the third time has taken my drink and not bothered replacing it. When questioned, she says something along the lines of "Sorry! Bad sickness. This helps. I'll get a new one for you tomorrow".

She always does, it's there the following day. But it means having to go out at lunchtime to get another one. The local shop is only 2 minutes away but it means eating up time I don't have since I have 30 minutes lunch.

I'm really not sure how to go about it. If it was the usual person, I'd tell them to stop the cheek and buy their own to bring in! But she's pregnant and suffering from sickness. I had HG with my son so I feel awful at the thought of telling her she can most certainly never take from me again without asking Sad

I remember the horrendous feeling of needing something sweet and fizzy to curve the sickness and it did often help, so I imagine it's very helpful to her.

Perhaps I should buy a multipack and suggest she goes half's so we can both enjoy them during the week? Or is this too doormat like?

I'm really not sure how to go about it. I don't think she thinks she's being cheeky in the slightest, and is an otherwise lovely colleague.

What would you do? I usually have no issues being assertive but I feel as if the lines have been blurred.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
fedup21 · 13/10/2019 09:57

I’d put my lunch (roll, drink etc) in a bag in the fridge in future-surely she wouldn’t have the brass neck to go through other people’s lunch bags.

What a cheeky rude cow!

coconutpie · 13/10/2019 10:00

Your reply to her was way too passive - no wonder she is walking all over you! And then you apologise in the middle of the reply to her? SHE should be apologising to you. You need to be more assertive.

BadLad · 13/10/2019 10:01

I would take a coolbag or learn to drink it at room temperature.

Classic mumsnet. And people ask me why I read the site.

BagpussandTheClangers · 13/10/2019 10:27

@BadLad

Some people clearly need this shite spelling out to them.

BlackCatSleeping · 13/10/2019 10:34

It astounds me the lengths Mumsnetters will go to to avoid just speaking to people. The OP’s text was absolutely fine and got the desired result without causing offense.

smartcarnotsosmartdriver · 13/10/2019 10:41

I'm glad you've put a stop to it, I felt sick the first few months, was very very fortunate not to be sick. I figured out what helped me and carried a wee kit around with me so I could make myself feel better when I needed to, I definitely didn't steal anyone else's food or drink!

honeylulu · 13/10/2019 10:41

No worries, see you Monday! Have a lovely weekend

WTF, OP??? Mate, come on!

The reply should have been "No I am not ok with it. Just. STOP you thieving cunt".

"I'll have to bring in my own bottle instead". Well, duh, yes you will!

Fredastaireatemyjamsandwich · 13/10/2019 11:46

Wrap the can up in a carrier bag, and stick a label on it - please do not steal.

Goondoit19 · 13/10/2019 17:30

Just be nice and buy a pack for her as a gift. It’s only £1.50 ffs

redcarbluecar · 13/10/2019 17:32

I agree with Goondoit but would add ‘so that you don’t need to take mine anymore’ as you hand over the lovely multipack, just to be clear Smile

starfishmummy · 13/10/2019 17:34

Far to nice an email. I ould hav made sure to use words lrds like thief and stealing because thats what she is/has done.

And do come back and update us with what bappens on monday!!

converseandjeans · 13/10/2019 17:35

That would piss me off. I don't drink tea or coffee & have can of coke in office fridge. I don't think being pregnant is an excuse tbh. She could buy some in advance. Hide it in cool bag from now on!

BumbleBeee69 · 13/10/2019 17:35

Just be nice and buy a pack for her as a gift. It’s only £1.50 ffs

so it goes from her stealing a drink daily to OP actually supplying a full pack permanently.. oh FFS I despair.. Shock

openitsoicanseeyousmile · 13/10/2019 17:36

Just be nice and buy a pack for her as a gift. It’s only £1.50 ffs

Hmm
OP posts:
evian76 · 13/10/2019 17:37

Buy 2 cans and put one on her shelf xx

iklboo · 13/10/2019 17:38

Why should the OP be 'nice'? The thieving CF hasn't been.

It's like chasing a burglar down street to hand them the family silver they missed taking.

HauntedPinecone · 13/10/2019 17:40

Buy 2 cans and put one on her shelf

WHY? Why the actual fuck should the OP do this? What kind of absolute sap would let someone steal from them repeatedly, then BUY the very thing for the thief. Are people really that spineless?

WhatsMyName2 · 13/10/2019 17:43

She is completely in the wrong. We have a shared fridge in work and we don't need to label anything as we're all grown adults and we know if we want something to buy it ourselves. Can't believe people suggesting you should buy her a pack or even a can!

Emmak789 · 13/10/2019 17:45

If you pull her up on it, you will look like an a hole for being mean to preggers lady, I would keep my drink in my drawer so she has to go out and get her drink. I know it wont be cold but what else can you do? Dont be a door mat, just keep your drink where she cant get it. If she was a good mate you could consider getting a multi pack. If not dont bother. 3 times taking your drink is enough kindness.

pollymere · 13/10/2019 17:46

Agree with the lunchbag idea. Even a small carrier bag. She'd then be going through your lunch to get it which would seem more like theft rather than accidental. It is essentially theft.

DanceItOut · 13/10/2019 17:48

I would suggest the multipack and say that it's not that you dont understand how she feels but it's actually rather rude and cheeky to take something for any reason without asking.

MrMeSeeks · 13/10/2019 17:49

Yanbu, do not buy her any!!! You’ve been nicer than i would! I get murderous rage if anyone touches my stuff, let alone my pop!

HauntedPinecone · 13/10/2019 17:51

you will look like an a hole for being mean to preggers lady

What a load of rubbish! Who gives a fuck about being mean, and what does being pregnant have to do with it? Does reproducing give her the right to steal? Unbelievable! I've read some shite on here over the years but holy crap this is ridiculous.

bobsyourauntie · 13/10/2019 17:52

OP, you have handled it well and hopefully she has got the message.

Sickness or not, she is not entitled to take your drink. She should be prepared and bring in enough food and drink for herself, not claim sudden nausea and take yours.

I suffered from severe sickness during pregnancy and made sure that wherever I went, I took water and snacks with me. Pregnancy is no excuse.

If it happens again, then get an office memo going around, reminding people that anything to share is left in X place, whereas anything in the fridge is personal property and must not be touched.

Drabarni · 13/10/2019 17:52

Lock it up, label it, not for pregnant thieves. Grin should do the trick.

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