Son in halls has been accused of stealing drinks from someone else's shelf in the fridge. He's had a note left by his room door.
He is quite sure he's never drunkenly or accidentally taken anything & he's freaking out because the note said something like 'you owe me money for the drinks you've stolen' so its not even attempting to fact find or be reasonable.
Note was signed but he doesn't know which lad it is. He's a bit marginal in the flat. Doesn't know who's who.
I ran it by chat gpt which suggested a note in the kitchen which says:
"I’ve had a note left under my door accusing me of taking drinks and asking for money.
I haven’t taken anything from anyone else’s shelf.
If there’s a concern, I’m happy to talk it through calmly and clear it up."
Son is shy, quiet & freaking out. He has drafted a note which reads
"I've had a note left under my door accusing me of stealing drinks from the fridge, and asking me for money.
I haven't stolen anything from anyone.
I've bought some ciders, they're in the fridge. Feel free to grab a couple.
If I get a note like that again, I'm going to take it up with Unite"
Which I think would be disastrous. Buying ciders looks guilty and being threatening is upping the ante. I think this note is a bad idea.
He doesn't want to involve Unite (yet).
I think on balance that he probably didn't take anything. It sounds out of character. I don't 100% know though.
YABU - let him handle it his way
YANBU - your note is better
Or can you think of a third way?