Redditor Shunned For Keeping Food His Roommate's Child Is Allergic To

All of the people living there have an agreement not to eat each others food.

Senad

• Published in Interesting
• August 9, 2023

OP lives in a multi-level house with three other people: a friend, a new roommate with a son, and another former roommate who recently moved out. Each individual occupies a distinct living space, so interactions are minimal, primarily revolving around shared spaces like the kitchen.

There's an unspoken agreement of privacy, where everyone goes about their routines without much intrusion. Food is a key ingredient in this story, and each resident operates on the "buy your own" principle. It's a straightforward and fair system that avoids misunderstandings.

However, the new roommate brings a dash of variation. He sometimes asks for minor ingredients like sugar or an egg, which, though unusual to OP, isn't a big deal. They're willing to share these small items.

The plot thickens when the new roommate asks for milk, particularly regular cow's milk. This becomes a regular occurrence, as his child enjoys cereal for breakfast.

Here, a minor hiccup arises. OP only stocks almond milk, which they prefer for their consumption. But the roommate seems somewhat discontented with this limited option.

The story takes a turn when it's revealed that the child has multiple allergies, leading to some food-related incidents. Leftover wings and brownies cause a bit of a stir due to ingredients that trigger the child's allergies.

The roommate expresses concern, prompting OP to assert their point of view: people shouldn't eat food that doesn't belong to them. This seems like a fair stance, but the roommate argues that certain precautions need to be taken when it comes to allergens.

Here's where the story brings up the complex issue of accommodating allergies within a shared living space. OP brings up their own experience – living with a friend who has shellfish allergies and managing without conflict.

However, the new roommate's child is a different case, and they're pushing for a higher level of vigilance and consideration. OP believes they shouldn't have to label or hide their food when it's intended for their consumption, and they draw a line between personal accountability and communal protection.

OP lives in a property with 4 other people

Everyone buys their own food and there's no sharing

OP has been living here for 3 years and he's never had any issues

The issues started when the roommate started asking for "real" milk

The roommate's kid is allergic to a lot of things

The roommate told OP to be careful of what he leaves out

The kid's biggest allergy is nuts

You can't steal food and then complain

Life over food

A parenting fail

OP believes they shouldn't have to label or hide their food when it's intended for their consumption, and they draw a line between personal accountability and communal protection. The new roommate, on the other hand, advocates for heightened awareness due to the child's allergies.

Since everyone has agreed to only eat their food, there's no reason OP should have the child's allergies in mind. It's the roommate's responsibility to teach his child to not steal food from other people.

Senad