Coworker Lost Office Stapler Again: Am I Wrong for Refusing to Lend Mine?
"Is it reasonable to refuse a coworker's request for a stapler after they lost the office one? AITA for setting boundaries?"
A 28-year-old woman refused to lend her stapler to a coworker who keeps “misplacing” shared office supplies, and honestly, the office drama practically stapled itself to the wall. It’s one of those small-office situations where everyone shares everything, from paper to pens, and the supply cabinet is basically the lifeline of the whole place.
Then the one stapler goes missing, again, and the coworker (30M) acts like it’s no big deal. After losing the office’s only stapler and causing the usual round of frustration, he casually asks to borrow hers, like the last incident never happened.
Now it’s not just about a stapler, it’s about whether OP is “selfish” for finally saying no, or if he’s the one treating shared items like they’re disposable.
Original Post
I (28F) work in a small office with a shared supply cabinet. We have limited resources, so it's essential to keep track of our office supplies.
Recently, my coworker (30M) lost our only stapler. It wasn't the first time he misplaced office supplies.
The frustration level in our workplace is high due to his carelessness. We've had discussions about the need to be responsible for shared items, but it seems to fall on deaf ears.
After the stapler incident, he casually asked if he could borrow mine. This time, I hesitated.
I told him I wasn't comfortable lending it out, considering his pattern of losing things. He got upset and accused me of being selfish and unhelpful.
Other colleagues chimed in, saying it's just a stapler and that I should be more accommodating. Am I the jerk for not wanting to lend my stapler to someone who can't keep track of office supplies?
Setting boundaries in the workplace is essential for maintaining professional relationships and personal well-being.
Comment from u/MuffinAddict56
Comment from u/PizzaDragon87
The moment the office’s only stapler vanished, OP’s patience should have been measured, not tested by the same guy asking to borrow hers the next day.
When he got upset and called her selfish, the conversation shifted from “lost supplies” to “who gets to decide the rules in a shared office.”
Research indicates that setting boundaries can significantly reduce workplace stress.
This office drama also echoes a friend who got workplace fines and wage garnishment after a phone call.
Comment from u/RainbowSocks22
Comment from u/GamerGal99
While he’s blaming OP for not being “helpful,” other coworkers are out here acting like a stapler loan is automatically owed, not earned.
What's your opinion on this situation? Join the conversation!
Comment from u/DogMom_Runner
By the time everyone’s weighing in, the real question is whether OP should keep paying the price for his habit of misplacing things.
In navigating the chaotic dynamics of a small office, establishing boundaries is essential to maintaining a functional work environment. The situation with the coworker who repeatedly misplaces the office stapler highlights the need for personal limits. By refusing to lend your stapler, you are not only protecting your own resources but also encouraging a culture of responsibility among colleagues. This proactive approach aligns with the necessity for accountability in shared workspaces, ultimately fostering a more respectful and organized atmosphere.
He might not like the answer, but he earned it every time he lost the shared stapler.
Still dealing with shared-item fallout? See what the landlord demanded after a $5000 flood repair, when the former tenant refused.
