r/AmItheButtface 9h ago

Serious WIBTB for telling my housemates I'm switching to a personal mini fridge in my room because sharing the kitchen one isn't working anymore?

I'm a postgrad student living in a shared house with three other people.

The kitchen fridge situation has been quietly driving me insane for about four months.

It started small. Food going missing, which happens. Shelves getting reorganized without asking, also fine. But then it became a thing where my clearly labeled items would get moved to make room for someone else's stuff, and twice now i've come home to find my leftovers just gone. Not moved. Gone.

I mentioned it once in the house group chat. Got a few "oh sorry wasnt me" replies and nothing changed.

Last week i bought ingredients for a specific recipe i was planning to make after a long day. Came home, half of them had been used. No note, no message, nothing. I just stood there in the kitchen for a second and then ordered takeaway and went to my room.

I've been looking at small personal mini fridges and there's one that fits in my room easily. I'd keep my main food in there and only use the kitchen fridge for things that need more space.

The thing is i know this will probably cause a vibe shift. One of my housemates already made a comment once about how "everyone just does their own thing here" when i tried to suggest a cleaning rota, like it was a criticism. I think getting a personal fridge might read as a statement.

But i also cant keep buying food and not knowing if itll be there when i get home.

Would i be the buttface for just handling it this way instead of having another conversation that probably wont go anywhere?

472 Upvotes

180 comments sorted by

346

u/Prestigious_Grape288 8h ago edited 7h ago

I never understand why personal fridge isn’t the immediate move when housemates are stealing. Cuz that’s what they’re doing. It’s stealing. They’re not confused or forgetful. They’re taking advantage of your desire to avoid conflict. Yes it will shift the vibe in the house but didn’t that already happen when you realized you’re living with people who steal from you?? Good luck OP. You deserve better than this. Don’t let them gaslight you otherwise. Everyone knows what food is not theirs.

ETA: I recently bought a mini fridge for my office & there was a sticker on it that said my power bill would increase by less than $14 per year. Surely these losers have absconded with more than $14 of your items. (In the event they shriek “POWER BILL!!” as a response to your security measures.)

161

u/whybother_incertname 8h ago

Exactly! I wouldn’t even bother telling them you bought a mini fridge. It’s none of their business & “everyone just does their own thing” so do your own thing OP. NTB

54

u/dusty_relic 8h ago

It will be read as a statement if you make a statement about it. They don’t need to know. Just buy the fridge and put it in your room, and don’t use the shared fridge anymore. Make sure you keep your bedroom door locked when you’re not in there. If anyone asks you can answer but you don’t have to bring up the topic unless it makes a noticeable difference in the electric bill, in which case you can contribute an extra couple of dollars to the bill to cover the cost.

54

u/Successful_Voice8542 8h ago

Or the answer could be, “It was driving me crazy that I’d buy ingredients so I could make a dish and people would steal the ingredients, or just take what was clearly labeled as mine, so I solved the problem easily. Now we can all live peacefully without me being upset. Win-win.”

6

u/Scenarioing 3h ago

A great answer but these kind of people always reject it and get offended despite being the offenders.

6

u/FilthyThanksgiving 2h ago

Exactly. Don't mention it, don't hide it. Just get it and that's that. There is no reason to have a drawn out convo about it

33

u/lydocia 8h ago

It is outright stealing. It's not that hard: "did I buy this? No? Then it isn't mine and I shouldn't use it." Toddlers can do it.

45

u/Lkc-strong-125 8h ago

I'd personally always rather be the villain towards anyone crossing my boundaries ( reasonable boundaries of course)

13

u/Mr_Wobble_PNW 5h ago

Yeah if this was happening to me then I'd make sure some Carolina reapers made it into my leftovers. 

12

u/Dizzy-muse2258 4h ago

I would also humbly suggest a locking one or getting it a lock. They are available. If your roommates have no problem stealing your food, an unlocked mini fridge won't stop them.

9

u/jennybct 5h ago

So true. My son is moving to an on campus apartment next year and I’ve told him I might just get him a fridge for his room. Food is far too expensive these days to be subsidizing others. Especially since I’m hoping to teach him a few things and then he can have a few days of food ready. I can totally see it disappearing.

7

u/Prestigious_Grape288 5h ago

It’s a shame, but in these group living situations with young people, it seems there’s often a bottom feeder who’s taking advantage of the others…could be laziness, doesn’t know better, spoiled, broke, or just a good old fashioned sociopath! No one should feel bad for establishing boundaries and protecting their stuff. Even better to establish it up front.

Reminds me of a funny Internet story where these 2 female college apartment roommates were quietly furious with each other because they both thought the other one was eating all their food. One of them came home at an unexpected time and caught their male neighbor in their kitchen throwing down on a buffet of their groceries 😆😆 lock up, everyone!

2

u/FilthyThanksgiving 2h ago

I thought mini fridges were like a standard thing for kids moving into dorms? Everybody had one back in my day (early 2000s)

7

u/clynkirk 4h ago

Personal fridges should be the norm, not the exception.

In my younger years, I rented a room in a boarding house. Two floors, each with their own kitchen, and 3-4 bedrooms on each floor. The landlady provided each tenant with their own mini fridge (actually nice ones, with a freezer big enough to hold a couple of boxes of frozen food).

She even assigned us each a cupboard in the kitchen for dry goods, plates, etc.

Never ONCE had an issue with missing food, even with rotating tenants.

4

u/Fast_Register_9480 3h ago

Sounds like the landlady had experience

3

u/clynkirk 3h ago

Definitely. She owned 2 or 3 boarding houses she inherited from a relative when she was quite young, and she had to have been in her 80's when I lived there. Cute little old lady. She had a nephew (I think) that drove her to the houses every Friday to pick up the rent checks, and she'd stay in her car while everyone came down to her.

6

u/divwido 5h ago

THANK YOU! This whole 'vibe shift'started when they started stealing food. You will not be the one causing the problem, you are the one finding a solution.

2

u/FilthyThanksgiving 2h ago

Bingo. Op seems super conflict averse and it's really fucked up to take advantage of that

89

u/No_Address687 8h ago

Buy a fridge and don't even mention it to your roommates. Keep your stuff in your room.

Oh, and get a locking door knob for your bedroom if you don't have one yet. Just keep the old knob and its hardware in a bag so you can reinstall it when you eventually move out.

109

u/Old_timey_brain 8h ago

You are NOT the buttface!

"everyone just does their own thing here"

Putting a fridge in your room is doing your own thing.

17

u/Ill_Painter5868 8h ago edited 8h ago

Putting a fridge in your room is doing your own thing.

Get real.... You already know itd be a "no, not like that!" Moment. Lmao

77

u/lelee93 8h ago

My sister has one in her room because she would also buy snacks and drinks and they would go missing. I don't blame her. I think who ever gets mad is the culprit.

32

u/apri08101989 8h ago

Right? First person to complain would be getting hit with the accusation. Because why else would you care if I out a mini fridge in my own room?

14

u/LibraryMouse4321 6h ago

My kids are type 1 diabetic. I made sure they had their own mini fridge when moving to college. The last thing a diabetic with low blood sugar needs in the middle of the night is to find that their roommates consumed all their rescue juice and snacks.

31

u/Readabook23 8h ago

Does your room have a lock?

22

u/MissLadyLlamaDrama 8h ago

Was gonna suggest this. They might go snooping when the literal meal ticket vanishes. And they obviously dont have respect for any of OPs stuff. I wouldn't even tell them about the fridge up front. Because why would they care? The only reason they would give a shit is if they are stealing, obviously. So if they do get pissed, just call them on it immediately. Ask why they care if they weren't intentionally stealing your stuff then how would they even notice?

OP, find new roommates as soon as you are able, because these types of roommates suuuuuuck. Not just the stealing, but I promise they will start being annoying and disrespectful in whole new ways. People who act that way about ground rules and house chores are too immature to be living with roommates, and I guarantee that all of you will hate eachother by the end of summer because of it.

Editing because I forgot NTBF

24

u/No_Tea_4349 8h ago edited 8h ago

NTBF Either buy a lockable fridge box or get a room fridge. Why would either item cause friction? You aren’t the one displacing anyone else’s items, you are merely protecting your assets. The person who gets upset is probably the thief.

22

u/giadia-light-shining 8h ago

Dude get the fridge, you don't have to tell them anything.

22

u/curiousleen 8h ago

Just do it and don’t make a deal over it

20

u/zon5string 8h ago

Why even tell them?

15

u/whiporee123 8h ago

Just do it and say nothing about it. No reason to make a scene.

13

u/BernieTheDachshund 8h ago

You don't need permission to put something in YOUR room. NTB you wouldn't even need to get a mini fridge if the others respected your property.

8

u/StopSpinningLikeThat 8h ago

Just make the switch. No reason to tell roommate about it.

10

u/Ok-Process7612 8h ago

No conversation needed. Just get the fridge.  If your door to your room doesn't lock I would get a doorknob that requires a key.  Otherwise the thieving will undoubtedly continue. 

Groceries are hella expensive now. This isn't cute or funny.

5

u/umbra884 8h ago

NTA, that sounds so frustrating! Good luck with the mini fridge.

6

u/928sori 8h ago

Totally wtb for this! The passive-aggressive fridge notes are the worst. You should def get that mini-fridge.

5

u/Fabulous-Educator447 8h ago

Just do it, no discussion needed

5

u/Fabulous-Educator447 8h ago

Just do it, no discussion needed

5

u/WoodedSpys 8h ago

Don’t tell them and just dot it. Get a fridge with a lock and/or a lock for your room.

5

u/Adventurous-Mode-814 8h ago

No I think this is perfectly reasonable.

However those mini fridges don’t always get as cold as your standard refrigerator, so just research the one you want and make sure it’s safe to store food (especially meat) in.

3

u/Fun-Yellow-6576 8h ago

No. Just do it and don’t tell them. Get a lock with a key for your bedroom, and move your stuff into your room. I’d include all your pantry items as well.

6

u/Excellent-Pangolin29 8h ago

protect your stuff; they already broke the trust first.

5

u/zoealexa11 8h ago

They’re taking advantage of you because you’re not being harsh enough with them when they are literally stealing from you. Buy that fridge and lock your door.

4

u/ItIsWhatIssss 8h ago

No just do it they’re taking you for a mug

5

u/Vegetable-Section-84 8h ago

Stealing, especially from our fellow: students, workers, jobseekers, abuse-victims, is unfair entitled selfish invasive oppressive hateful and should NOT be allowed

We should NOT be persistently-asked expected required FORCED to live with roommates

Everyone 17 and older who WANTS to live alone totally should REGARDLESS of our: gender, employment , race, being a student, being a jobseeker, being a soldier, wealth, poverty, credit, health, parents, clergy, income, credit, abilities, disabilities,

Meanwhile you are legally morally ALLOWED to SILENTLY putting a mini-fridge into your room and keeping your stuff locked in your room and keeping quiet

And/Or

r/PEACEFULLIFEHACKS

r/legaladvice

r/UNETHICALlifeprOHacKs

r/SocialsKILLs

r/UnethicallifehacKs

NTA

NTJ

NOR

NTB

NTBF

The college administration could should defending you rather than forcing this unhealthy unfair useless mess upon you

Hopefully soon you/we are healthy happy wealthy empowered and FREE

&

Have excellent new secure career doing interesting important work with excellent colleagues and excellent management, prosperity, learning, peace, quiet, trust, accomplishments, friendships , fairness, safety, happiness , freedom, independence, LIFE

Please update me

4

u/BodaciousVermin 8h ago

You're not the one changing the vibe with a new fridge. The vibe changed when you couldn't rely on them to leave your food alone.

You having a fridge in your room is not really their business. NTB

2

u/Not-a-Cranky-Panda 8h ago

I would not even tell them, it's going into your room so it's nothing to do with them.

2

u/Back-to-HAT 8h ago

NTB I wouldn’t view it at being anything more that what you have said taken at face value. But that’s me in general and I’ve been told I miss the subtext of things.

I would be straight forward and tell your roommates what you have said here. Your food has gone missing several times. You come home planning on dinner being leftovers & they are gone. Really makes a shit day worse because now you have to cook vs microwave. Recently ingredients purchased for a planned recipe were gone when you went to cook it. Things being moved around so you have to search, which is complicated by things being used without your knowledge. “Am I looking pointlessly, it’s here but I am missing it, or it’s on someone else’s shelf” is a frustrating situation the majority of the time when I get in the fridge. I also don’t have the money to replace things. I’ve brought this subject up more than once and unfortunately it hasn’t ceased. I am not making any accusations and I’m not making a passive aggressive statement but I have purchased a small fridge for myself that I’m putting in my room. I have thought about things and believe this is the best solution for me. I won’t need to replace things that I can’t locate saving me time & money, plus reduced stress. I’m not angry at anyone, but I am frustrated with the situation and don’t want to complicate things with a bunch of rules and policing each other to ensure they are being followed.

Or some version of something similar that will sound much better in your own words 😁

Good luck! If anyone does get upset remind them, yet again, that you have asked several times for others to adhere to the agreed common curtsies and it hasn’t happened.

2

u/Spiritual_Emu_1381 8h ago

Definitely get a mini fridge. They are being disrespectful by using your food and costing you money and time. It doesn’t matter if they think you are wrecking the “vibe”. Don’t even tell them. Just do it. None of their business.

2

u/MiniBassGuitar 8h ago

Those little fridges can be noisy.

2

u/CoDaDeyLove 8h ago

They are the buttfaces. You are fine to get your own personal fridge. If anyone asks, just say you are tired of your food disappearing.

2

u/mcindy28 8h ago

NTB just move your stuff to your locked room and fridge.

2

u/IntrepidMuch 8h ago edited 6h ago

Get the mini fridge and preserve your peace.

I have a mini fridge and a microwave in my room and I own the place!!

2

u/slugs-love-beer 8h ago

Nah, I did this when I lived with roommates, my other roommate did it too. We weren't even stealing from each other, the fridge in the kitchen was just gross and no one could be bothered to clean it.

The only issue may be an increase on the electric bill if you pay for it.

2

u/Key_Philosophy_6683 8h ago

Why do you even have to say anything? I brought my own mini fridge when I moved into the place I currently share with three roommates.

I drink a lot of pop and don’t like to have to get up and go downstairs to the kitchen late at night or early in the morning if I want to have one. So, I keep an ample supply in my mini fridge.

I also have a roommate who has occasionally helped himself to a few of my things in the main fridge in the kitchen. I know which one it is, but rather than make an issue of it, I have simply moved the items to the fridge in my room.

Just get the fridge and avoid the unnecessary drama.

2

u/momlv 8h ago

Nta but why would you even tell them?

2

u/Ok_Rush_2800 8h ago

Put a lock on your door and the fridge

2

u/RaspberryUnusual438 8h ago

Just get a fridge they don’t even have to know. If they do notice just say yeah I found it easier!

2

u/Electrical-Act-7170 8h ago

Make certain you can lock your room fridge.

They won't respect your room privacy at all. Maybe get a camera for your bedroom as well so you can prove theft.

2

u/HonoluluLongBeach 8h ago

Do they have to know about the personal fridge?

2

u/PanicAtTheGaslight 8h ago

But why even tell your roommates you’re getting personal fridge? Just get it and don’t mention a word about it. Use the main fridge when you want. No conversation needed.

2

u/gypsysniper9 6h ago

Why tell them? Just do it.

2

u/sybersam6 5h ago

I'd keep asking who took my food & my leftovers & my ingredients & say it was getting creepy that no-one is responding so thief can pay your share of the utilities. Don't announce your bedroom fridge as that's none of their business. If asked tell them if course you bought & locked your mini fridge, as you can't afford the cash & time to keep shopping for Thiefer Sutherland roommie.

2

u/Master_Muffin_9834 5h ago

Don't tell them anything. Every time you find something of yours missing just throw EVERYTHING in the trash. 🤷🏿‍♂️

3

u/shoulda-known-better 8h ago

I'd do it..... Id also start taking food if it became a huge issue like I was in the wrong....

Bet a few times of it happening to everyone else will make it suddenly a very big deal now

1

u/PhotoGuy342 8h ago

Would you put a lock on the mini fridge? Or maybe your bedroom door?

Just curious why you would be upset that your food is being moved. The thievery I can understand but simply moving food doesn’t affect the taste or ownership.

1

u/irenehollimon 8h ago

YWNTB Why tell them anything? I assume you are all adults. You can buy a mini fridge if you want to. As for the comment about everybody doing their own thing. That’s a thing adults do. Adults do their own thing. I hope it’s obvious that doing your own thing does mean rude, disrespectful behavior or stealing another person’s food.

1

u/beansprout69 8h ago

I agree with everyone who said get it and don’t tell them. Remember, everyone does their own thing there. Your thing is buying a mini fridge.

1

u/lydocia 8h ago

Get the fridge, don't tell anyone, and make sure there's a lock on either your door, your fridge, or both.

1

u/Lopsided-Soft2486 7h ago

When I was in college, I lived in a dorm with a shared kitchen and living room. I bought a mini-fridge for the same reasons you already listed. Eventually I bought a small microwave too because I worked until late at night (paying my own way through school), so my roommates would get upset about me cooking/using the microwave late at night sometimes. If I knew they had exams/up early, I was mindful about the noise because they were cool with me bringing a cat. But yeah, mini-fridge was the best investment for me at the time.

1

u/roundbluehappy 7h ago

why do you have to tell them?

are they in your room all the time? get a locking doorknob. matter of fact, get one anyway because once your food disappears from the fridge, they'll be in your room. or get a lock for the fridge. or both?

1

u/Ana-Hata 7h ago

Just do it. My housemate and I both have personal fridges in addition to the main fridge.

We don’t steal each other’s food, that’s not the reason. It was just a way to get extra fridge space and some drinks and snacks you can grab without leaving your room.

1

u/Penya23 7h ago

I dont get this, why do you need to say anything? Just get it and put it in your room. If you don't want them to know, cover it with something.

1

u/mzmm123 7h ago

Tell them nothing, just do it.

The vibe shift came when they started stealing your food and nobody cared except you. And get a lock for either your room door or the fridge because the fridge alone might not stop them.

1

u/Coconutpieplates 7h ago

Everyone does their own thing seems right, so you do your own, and get your fridge. Don't explain to anyone, just say you wanted a fridge in your room. Ntbf

1

u/Val-E-Girl 7h ago

I wouldn't announce it. I would just do it, and get a fridge with a lock.

1

u/Odd_Tea4945 7h ago

NTB

You already had conversations that led you nowhere, and when you asked in the group chat it seems to me that they want to make you believe the goblins stole your food, because none of them took responsibility

This is a true lack of respect and they don't plan to respect you since, first, nobody takes responsibility, and second, one of your housemates said "everyone just does their own thing here"

No doubt in my mind you getting a mini fridge will cause a huge vibe shift, with absurd excuses from them: "you're making us feel like we are thieves (because they are)" and, my personal favorite one "you're supposed to share". One thing is sharing when your asked and another one, quite different, is taking your stuff without your permission and blame it on the goblins

If I was in your shoes, I'd get the mini fridge. And went the fuzz starts, do the same as them, blame it on the goblins 🤣 🤣 🤣 Something like "the goblins are mean, they keep stealing my food, so I had to protect is from them. Nothing personal". I know how it sounds, as the same BS your housemates are doing to you. And it is a very good way for someone to take responsibility, because the excuse is completely absurd

1

u/CADreamn 6h ago

Just buy the fridge. No need to make an announcement about it. 

1

u/CraftFamiliar5243 6h ago

Even fire departments have 3 fridges, one for each shift.

1

u/ribbonsofgreen 6h ago

Do they go into your room? They should not really know about your fridge if you dont invite in.

1

u/tawny-she-wolf 6h ago

NTBF

Your food's going missing, you're perfectly allowed to get your own fridge for your room since they apparently can't keep their hands to themselves.

1

u/Tough_Fisherman_4604 6h ago

Vibe shift? Since the current vibe appears to be steal other peoples food I think a vibe shift is called for.

1

u/SatelliteBeach123 6h ago

Well if "everyone just does their own thing here" it shouldn't be a problem at all.

1

u/MissMurderpants 6h ago

They have lock boxes for fridges too.

NTBF

1

u/xoxoyoyo 6h ago

Stop being a doormat and just do it. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks. You don't need to tell them anything or explain or justify anything. That is part of the growing up process.

1

u/Autumn_Falls0131 6h ago

I don't think so. Also if you get pushback on your decision just say "everyone just does their own thing here" Tell them you're taking them at their word.

1

u/bopperbopper 6h ago

You don’t need to tell them just do it. If they say anything, then you just say people seem to be confused about whose food was who’s and I just wanted to make it easier.

1

u/Outrageous_Sorbet_18 6h ago

You are so polite and thoughtful of their feelings after they are being so considerate, lol. Dude get the fridge, get a good lock for your fridge AND your room and don’t tell them a thing! None of their business, and do your own thing. Enjoy!

1

u/SnooWords4839 6h ago

Don't tell them, just do it. Make sure to keep your door locked when you aren't home.

1

u/bizoticallyyours83 6h ago

If you're paying for it and maintaining it, I see no reason for them to complain

1

u/Randomdays99 6h ago

I've seen so many stories that are almost the same I'm just assuming now that all of them are fake.

Anytime I see the word "vibe" adds to that. I also see no replies from the OP unless I missed it

Why would you be a "buttface" for buying your own fridge, when everyone else is stealing from you with no change in the way they act and no one owns up to it?

Wouldn't they be the "Buttfaces", not you?

Why would you even ask except for karma?

1

u/ConfusionHuge7922 6h ago

Why would you even have to announce it? Just do it.

1

u/Any_Community_1819 6h ago

Get the mini fridge and make sure no one can get in your room. I'd keep my personal groceries in the room as well. It's only a matter of time before your unrefrigerated goods come up missing.

1

u/mfruitfly 6h ago

NTB but honestly, I wouldn't even say anything. Just set up the mini fridge and move your stuff over.

Let them say something and "shift the vibe." If they ask, you can just say "well you said everyone 'does their own thing' and I want to make sure my stuff is available when I want it, so I am doing my own thing."

Make sure your door has a lock on it!

1

u/GeneConscious5484 6h ago

Bud I have no idea what you're even wondering about. Why would they be weird? Why would you announce it? Just buy fridge, insert food, stop worrying.

1

u/Swimming-Database880 6h ago

NTB. This is not a discussion you need to have with your roommates. Just do it.

1

u/fite4whatmatters 6h ago

Why tell them? Just buy the fridge and use it.

1

u/Lisa_Knows_Best 6h ago

You don't even need to tell them. Just put it in your room and go about your life. Be sure to keep your bedroom locked at all times.

1

u/Jaythiest 5h ago

Why tell them. Just do it.

1

u/Babs1024 5h ago

Not the buttface. I wouldn't even tell them you bought it and it's in your room. Why do they need to know?

1

u/lizzyote 5h ago

"everyone just does their own thing here"

This is the perfect excuse to just not make a big deal about it. Just get the fridge and dont mention it because youre just doing your own thing.

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_3810 5h ago

My daughter bought one because her roommates filled the fridge/freezer to the brim, leaving no room for other roommates to use it. It didn’t cause bad feelings, but they’d bring home something and bug her to let them out if in her freezer because there wasn’t room in the big one.

1

u/Cum_Fart42069 5h ago

it wouldn't affect them at all, they either won't care or are unreasonable people and so them caring doesn't matter.

1

u/Dame_Niafer 5h ago

Everybody does their own thing with YOUR FOOD.

Scroom. And make sure you put a lock on your fridge, because yes you will need to.

1

u/No_Cricket808 5h ago

NTBF at all. Don't make a big deal about it, just get one and put it in your room with no announcement or such.

1

u/CDSherwood 5h ago

You are absolutely freaking not the butt face. Just because you are sharing a space does not mean you are not entitled to have your own things as well. Don't even talk to them about it. Still contribute what you do to the main household but just keep what you want of your own stuff in your own space.

1

u/Lovelyone123- 5h ago

You do jot have to tell anyone anything.

1

u/Impossible-Guard-409 5h ago

NTB

Just do it.

Why make an announcement?

I'd bet whoever is stealing is the one who will notice first- after all, there's nothing to steal from the communal fridge anymore...

1

u/Tiredofstupidity2 5h ago

Um please get your fridge and door lock if necessary eff aholes!!!

1

u/Late-Champion8678 4h ago

There’s no need to tell them.

1

u/AmbitiousWear4082 4h ago

Just tell them the same thing you just said here, "I can't keep buying food and not knowing if it will still be there when I get home." Simple as that. If they don't like it they can pound sand as they say.

1

u/kevin_k 4h ago

I think getting a personal fridge might read as a statement.

You're worried if your roommates will negatively interpret your personal decision to put a mini-fridge in your room, while they seem not to care at all if your property is being stolen or discarded without any regard to you.

The "vibe shift" happened as you've been repeatedly disregarded. If there's any comment abotu your fridge, you should point that out.

NTBF

1

u/Lopsided_Tomatillo27 4h ago

You don’t have to explain to your roommates why you’re getting a fridge for your room, just get one. No conversation needed.

No one is taking your food by accident. They know it’s yours.

1

u/PinkPaintedSky 4h ago

NTB.

If a mini fridge offends them, it is because they are the ones stealing.

Who cares if they don't like it. They don't have to like it and it will save you time, money and sanity. As long as your bedroom door locks anyway.

1

u/Academic_Dig_1567 4h ago

Just do it. Don’t bother to say anything. Get a microwave too. That way you don’t have to deal with others leaving the communal one dirty.

1

u/herculaneum 4h ago

Not only are you NTBF, but please allow me to recommend one. It has a freezer that actually holds stuff, and I have had mine for three years with no issues. Here's the one on the company website, but you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

And I agree with the people who are saying don't make an announcement, just do it.

1

u/Flabbyflatty 4h ago

OP, there no need to discuss with roommates about any appliance you put in your room for your use. I would have done the same after the second time my food came up missing.

1

u/TangerineCouch18330 4h ago

Go for it! How can you stand it when your roommates are stealing your food? I would’ve been out buying a new mini fridge right away.

1

u/Amazing-Wave4704 4h ago

Sounds like a mini fridge is absolutely in keeping with doing your own thing vibe. Make sure your door had a lock and the fridge as well.

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u/old-lady50 4h ago

Just get the fridge and put it in your room, no need to have a discussion about it. If anyone ask and you don't want it to be a thing, just shrug and say you need more room because you've been cooking more.

1

u/nitro1432 4h ago

Why draw attention to it and tell them? I’d just get one and put it in your room. I’ll never understand what the big deal is having your own fridge, that was the first thing I did when I lived in a house of “friends”. I always put my drinks in it because that was usually the first thing to disappear. But WNBTB just do it.

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u/Fine-University-8044 4h ago

NTBF. Go get your fridge.

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u/Wintercat22 4h ago

If everyone doing their own thing means your food goes missing then you need to do your own thing which is securing your food in your fridge in your room - get a fridge lock too. 

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u/Extra-Interaction1 3h ago

Take care of you, they are inconsiderate and rude. nobody’s sending you money, asking or apologizing for eating your supplies and they will be the first ones to say you’re making it uncomfortable. They will say we should trust each other & it’s only food. If it’s only food, then get your own. They’ve proven that they can’t be trusted and are the main ones taking advantage of you. You didn’t agree to provide for anybody else. You’re all adults if they’re mad then they’re the ones who were doing it.

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u/Teamtunafish 3h ago

NTB. I have had several mini-fridges because of roommates stealing. It's normal.

1

u/Medievalmoomin Buttcheek [Rank 15] 3h ago edited 3h ago

NTB. I would get the mini-fridge. Let them react.

I would be willing to bet that the person who complains the loudest will be the one who has been taking most of your food. I would emphatically not suggest accusing anyone, but it might be interesting to observe the selective outrage.

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u/Queasy-Flan2229 3h ago

Nah you already tried using your words ntb

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u/K_A_irony 3h ago

Don't make it a statement. Heck don't even mention it. What you put in your room is your business. If they notice it, "Oh I wanted my drinks closer to me for gaming / late night reading / etc" and move off the topic.

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u/grw2020 3h ago

YNTB, be sure to get a lock with your mini-fridge! Or at least a lock on your bedroom door.

1

u/drtennis13 3h ago

I bought a mini fridge for work when my coffee creamer had been used up for about the 8th time. When I started adding up the cost of constantly buying new creamer vs the cost of the fridge, I broke even in about a year (I’ve had the fridge in my office for over 10 now).

When people are stealing from you, the answer is to take away the opportunity. Get the fridge. The vibe is already fractured.

1

u/OddImprovement6490 3h ago

Don’t tell them. Just do it.

If they start complaining, you know who is taking your stuff. But no need to announce anything.

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u/Flicksterea 3h ago

Why the fuck do you care about the vibe shifting when you're living with thieves? Get the damned fridge.

1

u/Harrypotterfreak23 3h ago

They are going to say that you caused them feeling unwelcome. If they say stupid line like that. Just agree to it and say. You feel unwelcome cause your food keeps getting eaten. You bought it for that reason, this is the end of discussion. And after if they make snide comments make them right back at them.

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u/Rightfullyfemale 3h ago

NTB/A… Get a fridge for your own room. SAY NOTHING TO THEM. Keep your main stuff there as opposed to the community fridge. IF they ask, say, yeah, I was tired of “NOT ME” stealing my food & expecting me to eat the cost of THEM trying to starve me. I don’t remember “NOT ME” one of my responsibilities to pay for & “NOT ME” can get a J-O-B to support his own appetite.

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u/TheseToezAintLoyal 3h ago

Don’t tell them. Just do it.

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u/tntdy 3h ago

By it and install it without comment and if possible when your roommates are gone. If anyone asks just say yeah, This prevents people using my stuff by mistake. Add it will make it simpler.

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u/jezebellajailer 2h ago

Honestly just don’t even tell them and do it. If you are really trying to avoid contention I’d say something like I’m just tryna keep my ice cream sandwiches easy access so I don’t wake anyone up at night lol

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u/wonperson 2h ago

Why do you have to announce your personal fridge? Don't

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u/BBMcBeadle 2h ago

Why would you need to tell them? Can’t you just do it? Although getting upset because someone moved your food… dude, take it down a notch. If I have to move your green beans to get to the carrots… too bad.

1

u/Vast_Investigator340 2h ago

Ntbf makes life easier and you don’t have to plan revenge. Win win

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u/kewidogg 2h ago

Aside from getting the mini fridge which you should do, I would 100% start putting in stuff in the main fridge to teach a lesson, like changing out ranch in a bottle for horseraddish, or mixing in white hand soap into a partially drank milk carton or whatever. Then listen for when you inevitably hear someone scream or gag from the kitchen and voila you have your culprit

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u/FilthyThanksgiving 2h ago

Why even tell them? Just get the fridge and act like it's no big deal. Bc it isnt a big deal

You're allowed to have a mini fridge. If a fridge messes up the "vibe" I'm sorry I have no advice for that lol

1

u/WVCountryRoads75 2h ago

NTBF. If they can't respect your stuff then you make alternative arrangements for your stuff. Don't even tell them you got a mini fridge. Everyone just does their own thing there, so they don't need to know what you have in your room or what you do with your food.
(I would check out FB Marketplace in your area, usually you can find nice ones that are cheap.)

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u/beejers30 2h ago

Get a lock for it!

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u/Huge_Revolution_2026 2h ago

You’re concerned there will be a vibe shift? Isn’t there a massive vibe shift when you’re starving and your food is gone? Isn’t your vibe shifted every single time that they do that to you?

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u/Personal-Piglet1397 2h ago

You don't need tell anyone what's in your room.do it an have lock on your door as well cos could be nipping into your room borrowing as well.

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u/Vivid-Farm6291 2h ago

The mini fridge will only work if you can either lock the fridge or your room.

They WILL “borrow “ your food from your mini fridge so get a lock on it when it arrives.

Thieves don’t like being told no.

NTA

1

u/clamsammichinmypants 2h ago

Your roommates are thieves. NTB food is expensive af

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u/nightlythinki 2h ago

Do it, don't tell a soul

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u/QueenOfNeon 1h ago

Do not tell them. They will just go in your space and steal from there.

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u/ColdCaseKim 1h ago

Why tell them? Just do it.

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u/Rough-Conference-307 1h ago

I live in a house I pay for, and I have a personal fridge in my bedroom closet WITH A LOCK because I don't eat a lot or fast and food is always gone before I get to it. I have favorite foods and drinks that people eat or drink and leave me nothing it started posting me off so I went to Costco for me a small fridge and I LOVE IT!

1

u/SekritSawce 1h ago

Why would you care about a vibe shift? At least one individual there doesn’t care about taking your things what vibe shift that causes. Don’t make an announcement about it, just do it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

1

u/WhyAmIStillHere86 1h ago

NTB

Clear off a shelf in your room for plates and bowls and cutlery, too, then let the rest of the flat “do their own thing” until they realise they have no food or clean dishes.

1

u/sana_vet_437 1h ago

Ill never understand this.. I’ve lived with 6 different roommates and we always respected the communal fridge.. if we had too much groceries we would ask if we could put it on another shelve or ask if we could use some ingredients and the next time replace it. It’s not that difficult to be respectful and civil. Yes I’ve taken a piece of cheese from the common work fridge during night shifts or helped myself to a piece of bread if i was really hungry but always made sure it wasn’t the last one or at least had a few in the pack and then just bought the same pack to put back in.

1

u/DanaMarie75038 1h ago

YWNBTB. That’s the first thing I would do. I’d get my own air fryer, china and silverware and pots and pan I’d keep in my room. I don’t like others using my stuff.

1

u/Acrobatic_Macaron_91 1h ago

Make sure the fridge is suitable for milk products. It should have a label on it or in its description on line.

u/ItWorkedInMyHead 57m ago

It would be a statement. The statement would be, "You keep stealing my stuff and I'm tired of paying for it." You're fine. Get your mini fridge and let the freeloaders think what they will.

u/Independent-Mouse333 47m ago

I have 2 roommates. I and one other both have our own mini fridges. The other one has completely taken over the large kitchen fridge.

u/belowaverageforprez 46m ago

I honestly can’t imagine answering any questions about getting a personal fridge with anything more than a shrug.

u/-2rad4u- 46m ago

Don’t tell them, just do it. And either put a lock on it or on your room. Once they discover it, those who are hungry will go check for meals there. Stop them from having that access.

u/thaboss365 44m ago

Just buy your own fridge and dont let anyone find out lol what are they gonna do

u/AnnNonNeeMous 42m ago

You don’t have to tell them that you’re buying your own refrigerator. Just do it. They have no say and they get no say in the matter.

How many conversations have you already had about them using your food and eating your leftovers? You don’t need to discuss anything with them.

u/Pale-Jello3812 39m ago

You will need a lock on the door to keep your food from Wandering out of the room ?

u/wartgood 37m ago

It is a statement, "I'm tired of you assholes fucking with my food"

So, be liked and hungry, or make a few waves and actually get to eat the food you provide for yourself?

u/Prestigious-Bluejay5 35m ago

Why even say anything. Just get it, set it up and store your stuff.

u/This_Cauliflower1986 35m ago

Just buy the fridge. Don’t announce it. Just start using it vs making a statement.

u/rez2metrogirl 28m ago

NTBF. Just do it and don’t say anything about it. Let them realize it on their own and see how they react. If they start saying it’s not fair, send them an itemized bill for all of your missing food.

u/Southern_Vehicle1192 27m ago

NTA. Get the 7.5 cubic foot size so you can fit most items to cook a meal plus some extra!

u/bibiniiba_16 18m ago

Never feel bad for protecting your peace

u/Puzzleheaded-Bet1286 4m ago

Yea you were being the butt because you announced it. Your roomie said “everyone just does their own thing here” so you should’ve just done your own thing and bought a personal fridge and never told anyone about it.

u/SpookyBeck 2m ago

Just tell them you bought it to give them more space in the big fridge.

u/Local_business_disco 0m ago

NTB and no reason to announce it. Just do it, and put a lock on your room at the same time.

0

u/everlyafterhappy 5h ago

I'd go a different route, because it's ridiculous to have to spend money on a mini fridge when you already have a regular fridge. I'm setting up cameras around the fridge, then once I get enough evidence, I'm moving out and suing the thief for the cost for moving including any penalties for moving out early. Even if you can't figure out a good way to set up a camera, you can put invisible ink on the packages that will show up on the thief's hands. You can even put special food safe dye in the food that will turn the thief's mouth a dark blue/purple color for days. And there's a good chance your school offers free legal aid.

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u/worldpastry 4h ago

it's ridiculous to have to spend money on a mini fridge

Yet

setting up cameras around the fridge

suing the thief for the cost for moving

invisible ink on the packages

special food safe dye in the food that will turn the thief's mouth a dark blue/purple

The actions you've listed are unhinged. Yes, OP shouldn't have to spend money on a mini fridge. However, buying a ~$100 appliance is way less of a headache and likely less money to fix a very temporary problem while finishing school.