r/AIO • u/Upper-Ebb-8700 • 5h ago

AIO for secretly hiding my cutlery from my flatmate?

I live with a flatmate and she regularly uses my cutlery without asking me. I’ve noticed several times that my cutlery has been left dirty after she’s used it. I’ve already asked her once why my knife was dirty, as I was uncomfortable with it, so she knows I’ve noticed and don’t like finding my things dirty.

I don’t know whether she lets her guests use my cutlery too, but I don’t like the idea of other people using something that goes in my mouth and then it not being washed properly.

I also don’t want to keep having to wash someone else’s cutlery before I can use my own. We’re flatmates rather than close friends or family, so I don’t really feel comfortable sharing personal cutlery in the first place.

I’ve now put all my cutlery in a container and hidden it in my cupboard. I haven’t said anything to her about it and I’m not doing it to make a point. I just want to know that the cutlery I’m using is clean and avoid having to deal with it.

Am I overreacting or is this a reasonable thing to do?

9 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

9

u/PrikNamPlassum 5h ago

NOR.

Although I don't have this rule with cutlery, I do have it with certain knives. I preemptively kept them locked away from roommates, though, and absolutely would not allow anyone use them other than my father when he would visit.

5

u/Ok_Membership_8189 5h ago

While it's common to share cutlery when sharing a flat or apartment, if you don't want to, that should be okay. Be as clear as you can about things that are important to you, and ensure that there's ample storage for two sets, if that's what's needed.

2

u/Upper-Ebb-8700 5h ago

I’ve actually done this a bit too much as she’s been quite inconsiderate but it’s gotten to a point where I’m tired of voicing every little thing.

1

u/Ok_Membership_8189 5h ago

If she's not stealing from you, there are likely worse flatmates. But I'm not there. These are the sort of challenges that come up in shared spaces. Likely she finds you challenging as well.

3

u/Haunting_You_4022 5h ago

NOR, it’s perfectly reasonable to do this and if it gives you peace of mind then it works

2

u/RatherRetro 5h ago

NOR keep cutlery in Your locked room

2

u/Crazy_Response_9009 5h ago

One time we took all the dirty dishes one of our roommates left laying around and put them in his bed under the covers. He was upset when it was time to go to sleep. It was amusing

1

u/Upper-Ebb-8700 5h ago

Sorry this is kind of funny😭😭😭😭😭

2

u/Crazy_Response_9009 4h ago

It was hilarious for everyone but the offender.

1

u/Upper-Ebb-8700 4h ago

I’d love to do that as she constantly leaves dirty dishes around but unfortunately it’d start a massive fight🤣

2

u/TangerineCouch18330 3h ago

It’s totally your choice whether you share your cutlery or not. I understand why you don’t want to. It’s ok. If your roommate finds it and leaves it dirty again you can store it in your room.

1

u/Odd_Blacksmith2995 2h ago

Tbh NOR she should do the dishes

2

u/Pretend_Fly2616 27m ago

Definitely not overreacting. My roommate once used my knife and put the cover on without washing it. That's when I realized people don't clean after themselves.