AITA for not sharing my stress toy with friends?

Worried about sharing your stress toy with friends? Find out if you're in the wrong in this insightful AITA post!

Damjan

Published in Interesting
9 Feb 2026

AITA for not sharing my stress toy with friends?

It started with a tiny needoh, the kind of fidget toy that looks harmless until you realize it can be the difference between “fine” and “overwhelmed.”

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OP explained that their mom got the needoh specifically to help with anxiety and stress, and it’s basically their lifeline when nervous moments hit. One friend asks to borrow it, and OP says yes because they’re not stingy and they share in general. But then another friend becomes the repeat offender, using it for a huge chunk of school time, begging to keep it longer, and somehow always needing it again right after it’s returned.

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Now OP is stuck wondering if refusing to share makes them selfish, especially after previous overwhelm moments where they scratched themselves.

Original Post

Due to anxiety and stress, my mum got me this needoh to help! So everytime I get stressed or nervous I use it to relax me.

A friend of mine caught me playing with it and asked if they could borrow it. I don't mind sharing stuff with my friends so of course I said yes!

The problem is, one of my other friend tends to use for a large amount of time in school, and whenever I ask for it back she usually begs to keep it longer or gives it back just to ask for it again... I love my friend but this really irritated me.

I could be in an overwhelming situation where I need something to fidget with to help me relax, but I can't even use it due to my friends asking for it 24/7. I've had previous situations where I've gotten so overwhelmed to the point I scratch myself, not enough to cause scars but my needoh definitely helps.

The thing is, they're my friends, they share things with me so I don't want to be rude and just tell them that they can't use it. I feel selfish for it.

So I genuinely want to know if I'M in the wrong. Sharing is caring but does it still count if you're sharing your stress toy?

EDIT: Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions guys! I have been putting my friends wants over my needs without realizing it and I feel less anxious in saying no to them!