Crafty Redditor Adopts Stealth Strategy To Protect Freshly Bought Toiletries From Roommate Who Has A Habit Of Depleting Without Replacing
One significant motive behind individuals opting for roommates is the potential to economize.
Acquiring an apartment often entails expenses beyond mere rent. The broader cost of sustenance, encompassing groceries, beverages, and essential household provisions, forms a considerable part of daily living expenses.
In such scenarios, cohabitants may choose to equitably divide these expenditures or opt for separate procurements. Irrespective of the chosen approach, strict adherence to the agreement is paramount.
Any deviation from the established understanding can sow the seeds of conflict and discontent. An analogous situation comes to light through a narrative shared on the AITA subreddit.
The OP recounts a recent roommate addition to their living arrangement. Prior to this, they had managed to stretch a container of laundry detergent for over a month, catering not only to their own needs but also laundering their boyfriend’s and child’s attire.
However, the new roommate exhibited an accelerated consumption pattern, using the detergent at least thrice a week, thereby depleting its stock faster than customary.
Despite multiple requests from the OP for the roommate to replenish the detergent after finishing it, these pleas fell on deaf ears, a pattern that extended to other household essentials as well.
Exasperated by the roommate’s persistent conduct, the OP took a proactive step: they procured a fresh supply of detergent exclusively for their family’s use. To prevent access, the OP even concealed this stash in their gaming room.
However, a sense of guilt gnaws at the OP, prompting them to seek validation from the Reddit community regarding the righteousness of their action.
Dive into the detailed narrative below:
The Comprehensive Account
For Enhanced Context
Acknowledging their roommate’s reluctance to replenish shared items, the OP embarked on a self-sufficient path, securing their own supplies and withholding access from the roommate
Witness the Reddit community’s response to this narrative:
“NTA get a lockbox and maybe find a cheaper apartment if you can”
“My suggestion is that if it’s financially doable, you kick her out and look for a new roommate who will help out with supplies.”
“You shouldn’t be paying for their detergent, or other stuff”
“NTA – unless you promised to include laundry detergent in the rental agreement.”
“I’m sorry, she’s an adult right? You’re not her mom?”
“I think you should probably let her know that you’ll be buying only for your little family from now on”
“Seems like roommate is getting the consequences of her cheap behavior.”
“Everyone should contribute and you have tried to communicate that to her.”
“Buy the detergent and she buys the toilet paper.”
“I’d get my own supply for myself and use that, it’s much simpler.”
“You shouldn’t have to keep those kind of items hidden but the fact she hasn’t bought them at all, is enough to keep them ALL hidden”
The collective voice of commenters bestows upon the OP the “NTA” (Not The A**hole) badge, while directing criticism towards the roommate for neglecting her obligation to procure her own toiletries.
The community doesn’t hesitate to recommend more assertive measures, including eviction or safeguarding the detergent within a lockbox.
Do you concur with the verdict rendered by the Reddit community? We eagerly anticipate your insights in the comment section below!
