How do I ask my roommate not to eat/drink my food/drinks?

Question

I just moved into my new place recently and noticed that my roommate has been drinking my beverages. Normally I would not have a problem with this, had they asked me first, however I am on a really tight budget and can't afford to share my food. Plus I work long days so I dont' have time to grocery shop all the time so when I come home I want to have my food intact. For example, I bought a case of 24 water bottles. This morning I woke up with killer cramps but had no water left to take my Ibuprofren with and therefore am in a lot of pain! My roommate is a nice person so I don't want to start things off on the wrong foot....help!

Answer 1

To roommate: I can't afford to treat us to food and drink, but I will gladly pick up enough for you if you can give me the money before I shop.

It isn't a problem to share, but I don't have the money to get enough supplies for both of us. I am sure that you understand, so do you want to pay me now and I will go shopping?

It is a yes or no response from here. You haven't insulted them or hollered, so there should be no hard feelings. Only a guilty sneak would put up a fuss or make trouble at this point. You didn't move in with a guilty sneak, though.

Your gentle words in a soft voice capture more attention than hollering or whining. That would only start a fight and put them on the defensive. Keep it peaceful, but look them in the eye.

Answer 2

If you control the rent, you could start charging more for rent, by including the cost of food/drinks. Calculate how much the food/drink bill is between you and you front the cost and charge half to your roomate. If he/she buys food from the store and brings it home during that month, you can remove that cost from their total bill the following month. This way you are reimbursed up-front for all of the food they consume, and you credit them if they purchase food for the household. This is how I do it with the three roomates I have. I basically charge them $100 each for common food. If they buy dinner (either restaurant or groceries) i take the amount from the reciept and credit them the following month. So far it works, but we are close and very good friends.

Answer 3

Appears as though your roommate has already started things off on the wrong foot. Your assessment of your roommate as a "nice person" is suspect. You should have a talk with that person.

Answer 4

other than water try to avoid bringing home food for few days.. he may feel why suddenly this guy stopped bringing food.. :) then silly but this one may work.. try to drink the water by keeping it in ur mouth deeply while he is looking.. this one can make him to think twice b4 he touch ur bottle..

honestly, there is nothing wrong in explaining ur fren that u r totally comfortable wt ur fren in tht room, but once in a while u r facing a bit difficulty (wt the above said example), its not that we r blaming him or wht, u just say tht "u might be using when u need, but when it comes to my turn, i left nothing".. so pls from now on can we share and bring more bottles or more food? put these kinda proposals n see..

u have to deligate.. no choice.. its always better to tell the truth with some sugar coated words.. :) gd luck..

Answer 5

Don't confront your roommate,just start putting your name on all the food you buy. If your roommate is still eating your food after that,then you need to put your name and a dollar amount on your food. If your roommate is going to eat it your roommate can pay for it too! and i would put a higher price on the food,like they do in hotel rooms. a black sharpie works very well.

Answer 6

Keep anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated in your room, just put a couple of water bottles in the refrigerator at a time and put your name on them,in fact, put your name on any food that you buy and have to store in a common area

Answer 7

You need to stand firm and let them know they are not to touch your food PERIOD. Roommates will test there boundaries just like little children. I would recommend getting a little fridge in your room with a padlock or , if they are men, buy stuff that they have to cook. Men generally will stick with stuff thats fast and easy to eat. If you buy stuff that you actually have to cook most men won't bother because it takes to much time. I should know I am a man.

Answer 8

Use a Sharpie to label your own food. By the way, tap water is just as good as bottled water. Go take your ibuprofin.

Answer 9

This is a difficult situation, but you need to tell your roomate how you feel. Your request is prefectly acceptable. You roomate may be very deffensive at first, but your assertiveness will benefit you in the long frun.

Answer 10

Sounds like you need to just sit down and tell him/her everything you put into your question! Just be honest and sincere. Your nice roommate should understand.