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.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get the latest stories delivered to your inbox.
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?
Commenters Came in Hot with Their Takes:
Users didn’t stay quiet — they showed up in full force, mixing support with sharp criticism. From calling out bad behavior to offering real talk, the comments lit up fast.
NTA.