Is it me or???

Question

When giving out food to neighbors, why is it that you just never seem to get your food storage, tupperware containers back? Even after you have given them their dish back? Neighborly or Not...hmmmm?

Answer 1

My mom taught me to never return a container empty that someone had given us food in. She always washed it and filled it with cookies or something else yummy.

I was shocked when I started having a problem of not having my containers returned at all! After having a couple expensive ones lost that way, I started using paper plates and those cheap disposable Gladware containers.

I wonder whatever happened to good manners?

Answer 2

I know what you mean. When I give food I either:
Put it on old dishes that I never/rarely use so that they won't be missed if it takes forever to get back.
OR
Use aluminum dishes or ziplock bags, depending on what it is... you can get them pretty cheap at the dollar store, even casserole-size tins with lids are 4 for 1$.
OR
If I'm bringing something to a potluck or something where the food will be served out I buy a pretty platter or tray (they make them in plastic or melamine so they're unbreakable too!) at the dollar store. Then I leave the dish there for the host to keep, that way they don't need to rush around transferring food and washing dishes so I can leave with my plate!

Anyways, my thought on the subject is that "neighborly" in the way you mean is very very rare these days, which is sad. Like another answerer, I was taught to always return a dish, carefully cleaned, promptly, and preferably with something good and tasty in it!

Answer 3

I was raised to always return dishes and containers that have a name on the bottom. But the unwritten rule was that if it was say a used plastic butter tub or Cool Whip tub or something, as long as it didn't have a name, no return needed. Most people have too many of those kicking around and WANT to get those out of their cabinets.

What I do is flip whatever someone gives me into my own containers, wash theirs, and NOT put it in my own cupboard, I'll put it on the table near the door so it's a reminder to return it. Now why other people can't figure that out, I don't know.

As far as getting my own stuff back, I'll make a note to ask them nicely in 3-4 days. "Hey, how'd you like the casserole? Oh that's great to hear. Can I stop by and pick it up today? I'm making another casserole (little white lie) tonight and need it."

Answer 4

OHHH wow I KNOW what you mean. I have been going to a lot of yard sales and dollar stores and I have been picking dishes and containers up that I use just for this reason. I also use them when I go to family reunions and other outtings that way if the food isn't all i can just leave the dish I do mark them with my name if i get it back i get back if i don't i don't i know that it i didn't pay that much for it. This way if i don't get them back its ok , I have an elderly neighbor that I send him our leftovers to. and I tell him just to get them back to me for a refill and that seems to help a lot.

Answer 5

I remember moving to a new house and my next door neighbor brought around some food as a welcome to the neighborhood, which was really nice.

I returned the tupperware and bought them a welcome gift too.

I just think its rude if your neighbors don't return the tupperware, maybe stop giving food to them in the future.

Answer 6

I know, how annoying. Solution! I buy the disposable dishes and don't expect them back. This way I keep my good Tupperware containers and don't worry about who has what.

Answer 7

i always assume i won't get stuff back and if i am giving out food to people, i put it in one of those disposable aluminum containers or in some cheap tupperware that i could care less if i get back or not

Answer 8

Do you write your name on the items? Maybe they don't know who they belong to. You might consider purchasing cheaper containers to give with the food.

Answer 9

Oh yeah, I know what you mean. I gave my neighbor's a dessert I made before and it took 2.5 weeks to get my plate back.

Answer 10

So people just tend to forget. I mean when somebody gives me something I take it home and wash it and bring it back. But I have been guilty of forgetting and after you've had it so long you just don't worry about it anymore.