He never buys food for himself, he's always picking at everyone's snacks or lunch. I dont like to share my food, especially if someone's just snatches fries off my plate. What's a nice way of telling him to buy his own lunch and snacks??
2006-10-20 06:40:09 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
sometimes he'll say "Can I have some?" after he's already put it in his mouth ..... Arrrr!!
2006-10-20 07:59:31 · update #1
I liked Whimsey's answer a lot.
Also, when he comes near when you are eating, guard your plate.
When he starts to reach, pull your food away from him, or in some other way protect it.
"ExCUSE me, this is MY lunch. I don't wish to share it."
If his attempts to steal no longer work, he'll have to break down and buy his own.
The other thing you might consider is to talk to your supervisor. That person should have a chat with him about stealing other employees food.
Finally, you could try posting a memo, from a number of his victims, not pointing him out, but generally phrased that there is a problem with some employees taking other employees food, and that this is unfair and needs to stop.
Hope one of these works!
2006-10-20 08:58:50 · answer #1 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This solution will cost you but you'll only have to do it once, preferably in front of other co-workers. When he reaches for something on your plate, push the entire plate over in front of him, saying, "Here, you must be hungry. You can have my lunch and I'll buy myself another lunch." And then go buy yourself another lunch even though he protests that he only wanted a taste. Unless he is a total boor, he should get the message. If he ever reaches again, just ask if he has once again forgotten his lunch money. Shame is usually a great cure for bad manners.
2006-10-20 07:01:42 · answer #2 · answered by Whimsy 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The next time he starts picking off your food smack his hand and say, "Excuse me, but you need to get your own fries!" if he persues the matter say, "Hey buster, I work hard to buy these fries and I'm gonna enjoy them. If you want to share snacks then you start the trend and bring some in tomorrow..."
Generally in this situation honesty is best. Just say NO!
2006-10-20 06:54:26 · answer #3 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ugh that's so disgusting. If you can, move your plate away when you see his hand coming - don't foget to give him that "you should be ashamed of yourself, keep your dirty hands off my food" look.
But honestly, don't be afraid to be direct with him. I know I'm always telling people on here they shouldn't be rude, but sometimes a person who is utterly rude themself will not get the point unless it is VERY in-their-face. "I would prefer if you would keep your hands off my food" would embarrass him, but would likely keep him from doing it again.
I also liked the idea about the memo... "Just a reminder that it is impolite, not to mention unsanitary, to take food off of other people's plates. Please remember this is a workplace, not a supermarket on sample day."
Best Regards,
Holly
2006-10-20 11:36:02 · answer #4 · answered by Holly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up with all boys in my family - and what I used to do was stick my fingers in everything on my plate - so they wouldn't bother it. Also - I used to lick the backs of every piece of candy - so that they wouldn't take my candy. I know it's gross - but I think if maybe the next time he snatches something off your plate - tell him - "I hope you realize I licked everything on my plate - just wanted you to know before you eat that."
Or if you want to be nice - get everyone together that it bugs and confront him all at once.
2006-10-20 08:51:28 · answer #5 · answered by Karla R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had such a person in our work place. There is no nice way. I just told him I didn't appreciate anyone reaching on to my plate and taking what they wanted. This same person also was always bumming cigarettes. I finally told him that I had put myself on a budget and the pack had to last me 2 days.
2006-10-20 16:50:32 · answer #6 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sort of think there is no "nice" way to tell someone who's such a jerk to leave your food alone.
You might ask him the next time he reaches for any of your food if he needs to borrow some lunch money so he can buy his own.
I know exactly what I'd do if anyone reached for my food......I'd slap their hand and tell them to get their own!
2006-10-20 06:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by Rembrandt11 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When he takes something off your plate, tell him you're really sick with a contagious disease and you just licked that fry.
He'll look at you funny, but just raise your eyebrows and continue eating. Hopefully, he'll get the point.
2006-10-20 06:52:11 · answer #8 · answered by KerryAnn67 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't sit with him! It's as simple as that. If there isn't any other place to sit, just come right out and tell him you don't like him taking your food. People like this don't take hints. You have to tell him in plain language.
2006-10-21 15:59:29 · answer #9 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-24 20:00:49 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋