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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Colleague borrowing stuff

91 replies

polkadotpj · 10/02/2020 11:58

AIBU to stop letting my colleague borrow my phone charger. He's been using it for months, promised to buy one, but hasn't, sidles up to my desk and starts the request with "Polka, you're looking fine today" or similar. I am now being teased by other colleagues for being a walkover.
The last time he asked, he said he'd ordered one. I asked him to show me proof and he said he'd dig out the e-mail. When pressed he confessed he'd lied. He's just asked to borrow it again.
AIBU (where the U could also stand for uptight!) or a pushover. Opinions please!

OP posts:
3rdNamechange · 10/02/2020 11:59

Say you've left it at home or you're using it.

onanothertrain · 10/02/2020 12:00

I really don't see the issue with letting them borrow it but if you want it to stop say no.

AutumnRose1 · 10/02/2020 12:00

tell him he's taking the piss

but also can you tell him you won't be bringing it in any more? Or just use it yourself.

wanker.

aNonnyMouse1511 · 10/02/2020 12:01

Why are you all charging your phone at work anyway?! I charge mine overnight. Just do that and leave your charger at home!

InOtterNews · 10/02/2020 12:05

I don't really see an issue with borrowing your charger - unless of course, you need to use it (and can't)

I have a charger at home and at work (and one in my bag) - I travel a lot - anyone who needs a charge is welcome to use it unless it's my travel one which I have to ration as it only holds 4 charges

fedup21 · 10/02/2020 12:08

I’d say it’s broken.

Cinderemma · 10/02/2020 12:11

Tell him to buy a power bank

Emmelina · 10/02/2020 12:16

Is the heavy mobile use part of his job role?

Saucy99 · 10/02/2020 12:16

This really needed a thread? If you don't want to just say no.

StormTreader · 10/02/2020 12:20

"Sorry, haven't brought it in today". On repeat until he brings his own in.

cstaff · 10/02/2020 12:21

It's just a bloody phone charger. He is hardly damaging it. So unless you are actually using it at the time I think UABU.

saraclara · 10/02/2020 12:21

Just say no. And that you weren't impressed with being lied to.

PristineCondition · 10/02/2020 12:24

Why are you all charging your phone at work anyway

Yes,because that's the issue here.....Hmm

Highonpotandused · 10/02/2020 12:30

This reminds me of my male colleague who expects women to facilitate meetings and calls for him.

Just tell him no, ignore the people telling you it’s not a big deal.

BlackCatSleeping · 10/02/2020 12:33

Because I have an iPhone and the battery runs down by lunchtime. I hate the thing.

I agree with the others though, if you want to say no, just say no. 🤷‍♀️

WhatchaMaCalllit · 10/02/2020 12:38

"Hi CF, I can't let you borrow my charger as I'm using it. Why don't you contact Facilities/Purchasing to ask that they buy one for you? Alternatively, Primark sell charging cables and the USB adapter for next to nothing so off you pop and buy your own one, ok? All the best, Polka"

BillHadersNewWife · 10/02/2020 12:39

Say no!

NoSquirrels · 10/02/2020 12:40

Plug your own phone in constantly? Take your charger home and don't have it in the office.

Tell him you're charging him 50p a time?

Drum2018 · 10/02/2020 12:42

Simply say "No, I'm using it." When he comes back an hour later just say the same and continue to say you are using it. If he asks what percentage battery you have, tell him to sod off and mind his own business. He'll get the message once you keep saying no. And lock it in a drawer when it's not being used.

NoSquirrels · 10/02/2020 12:42

But yes, you are being uptight. Why does it matter, as long as it doesn't actually stop you using it?

Perhaps he is very very short of cash? I would buy a cheapy one from Primark and tell him he's welcome to it.

Perhaps he fancies you and it's an excuse to talk to you?

youngestisapsycho · 10/02/2020 12:43

It wouldn't bother me if I'm not using it...

Gonetoget · 10/02/2020 12:45

Do you fancy him in op? Is this the beginning of a 'phone charger' brought us together romance

twoshedsjackson · 10/02/2020 12:48

Next time he claims to have ordered one, beam brightly and say "OK, that's all sorted then!" or similar. If it "hasn't arrived yet", steer him towards one of your other colleagues. I think we can all guess what response he'll get.....

helberg · 10/02/2020 12:51

Leave it at home.
Or charge your phone all day. Say you're phone's taking ages to charge and no he can't use it.

BTW, do you think he fancies you and this is some kind of clumsy attempt at getting to talk to you everyday?

Highonpotandused · 10/02/2020 12:51

And I guess OP is also being 'uptight' when she inevitably has to get the charge from him so she can charge her own phone Hmm