AITA for not letting my coworker “borrow” my lunch after she forgot hers?
In a small office where camaraderie should flourish, a simple act of kindness becomes a test of boundaries and respect.
A young woman, carefully budgeting by bringing her own homemade meals, faces an unexpected demand that challenges her sense of fairness and self-care.
When a coworker’s request for a borrowed lunch turns into a pa*sive-aggressive confrontation, the quiet break room transforms into a battleground of unspoken expectations and strained friendships.
What should have been a moment of understanding instead exposes the fragile balance between generosity and self-preservation.
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The original poster experienced significant internal conflict after declining a coworker's request to share their pre-prepared lunch.
While the OP stood firm on their right to their own food and budget, they now feel guilt over potentially appearing unkind or unsupportive, especially given the coworker's implied distress and subsequent pa*sive-aggressive reaction.
Is it a fundamental expectation of workplace camaraderie to share personal resources like a necessary meal when a colleague forgets theirs, or does the OP have an absolute right to protect their prepared food, budget, and immediate needs without social penalty?
Users Wasted No Time Telling It Like It Is:
The internet jumped in fast, delivering everything from kind advice to cold truth. It’s a mix of empathy, outrage, and no-nonsense takes.
NTA.