I've been working at this place almost 2 months, I love it. It's only 2 sales people and the manager who is hardly ever here. I hate going out to eat and spending money on food every day so I brought snacks and stuff to make quick meals during lunch. I didn't want to be rude so I told the other sales guy to feel free to grab a little something. I thought it was common courtesy to offer. Honestly I don't mind him taking some of my food, what I do mind is coming to work and all my food being gone. Ever since I made the offer he eats all my stuff, leaves empty bags and cartons of juice. I am really upset because although I offered him, I never mentioned anything about finishing my food. I think its disrespectful that he finishes it and then doesnt replace it. What should I do? What should I tell him?
2007-10-06 04:29:17 · 11 answers · asked by $TyLi$h 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
First, find out what foods he dislikes. Bring in food that he doesn't like for a while, then maybe he'll get out of this habit and bring his own food. Of course, don't ask him for anything either. You could also try keeping your food in a separate area, like a cooler.
2007-10-06 04:36:28 · answer #1 · answered by luv2bfit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, for some people, if you offer them an inch, they'll take a mile. Your co-worker seems to be a textbook example of this. I would simply tell him something to the effect that when you told him to feel free to take a little something, that maybe he didn't understand that you just meant an OCCASIONAL little something, not all of your food, then just leave the trash for you. I would then just come out and tell him that you feel his frequent eating of your food and leaving the trash for you has been very inconsiderate and that, in the future, you would like it to stop.
Some people mistake kindness for weakness. Your co-worker sounds like one of those people. For people like that, you really have to learn to stand up for yourself, or they will walk all over you. If possible, maybe you can lock your food and snacks in a desk drawer. Your co-worker will probably be a little taken aback when you confront him, and no one likes to deal with issues like that at work, but, in this case, there's not really anything else you can do. Keep in mind that he might try to retaliate by complaining to management about the food you keep at your desk, but, it sounds like management already knows what kind of person he is.
2007-10-06 11:45:33 · answer #2 · answered by loveblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely say something to him in a nice way. Just say that you're wondering if he'd like to bring in some food to contribute to the food drawer, since you've been doing it all this time. If he says no or doesn't do it, tell him you can't keep providing food for him too.
Another possible solution would be to buy a big jar of pretzels or candy and place it in a public place on or near your desk with a little "Help yourself" sign. Maybe then he'll get the hint that you're willing to share, but just not with all of your food.
If none of this works...move your food to another hidden location. Good luck!
2007-10-06 12:18:53 · answer #3 · answered by Miss Brown 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have just found out the meaning of the term freeloaders. Do as the first answerer suggests and also start varying your eating habits a little. Try eating a little later or a little earlier and stop offering food to anyone unless you are going to throw it away. Put a stop to this now and don´t let yourself be taken advantage of in the future.
2007-10-06 11:46:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I am sure you can see that it was kind of needy of you to offer your food to someone in the workplace. It's a very insecure and subservient thing to do. A rude person is taking advantage of you because you didn't specify. Asking someone to read your mind is a recipe for trouble anyway, even if the guy wasn't a buffoon like this one.
Now you have no choice but to label everything "(your name) do not use".
.
2007-10-06 11:39:49 · answer #5 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put your name on everything that you bring in in big bold letters. what you can also do is to buy some sort of bag like a small lunch bag or something and put all your stuff in there and they sell tiny padlocks and put one on. if u have to put something in the fridge tie it in two plastic bags with ur name on it.
2007-10-06 11:47:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's taking terrible advantage of your generosity, and you need to confront him politely and let him know he needs to get his own snacks from now on as the sharing is getting to be way too expensive for you...then lock your snacks, etc in a desk drawer.
2007-10-06 11:41:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't say anything now, but put your food in a cabinet or drawer now and put your name on things that go in the fridge. if he gets into that, he's invading your space/privacy.
2007-10-06 11:33:47 · answer #8 · answered by I'm so crafty, I make people 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him it is his turn to bring the snacks.
2007-10-06 12:03:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
id leave a note on all your food saying stuff like ' touch it and i'll slap you'
2007-10-06 11:51:20 · answer #10 · answered by Delete 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋