College Roommate Tries To Leave With More Than Her Own Stuff, And Chaos Promptly Ensues

There are roommate stories that fizzle out harmlessly, and then there are the ones that feel like they deserve their own dramatic reenactment on late-night TV. This tale lands firmly in the second category, starting when a Reddit user’s roommate abruptly decided to leave college and head home, promising to return in a few days to grab the rest of her belongings.

The Redditor didn’t think much of the decision itself, because plenty of students discover that college isn’t the right fit or that their school just isn’t for them. What did spark concern was the instant reminder that this roommate had a habit of treating shared items — and even OP’s personal things — like her own private shopping aisle.

This wasn’t speculation; it was a lived experience that had reached expert-witness level. OP owned a handmade blanket crafted by their grandmother, but the roommate regularly introduced it to others as if it were part of her own curated collection.

Food was another hot zone, because the four roommates split grocery bills evenly, yet one person consistently ate more than her fair share with Olympic dedication. To make matters worse, she hadn’t contributed a cent to the most recent grocery haul but still treated the pantry like it belonged to her personally.

On top of all that, OP had a beloved Target pillow that somehow kept ending up in the roommate’s bed like it had been adopted without consent. Every attempt to retrieve it turned into a polite but pointless dance where nothing changed except OP’s rising frustration.

So when the roommate texted to say she was ten minutes away from arriving to collect her things, OP went into strategic lockdown mode. The grandmother’s blanket, the prized pillow, and every last bit of food were bundled into the Redditor’s closet and secured behind empty suitcases like high-value evidence.

The precaution was perfect timing, because the moment the roommate walked in, she headed straight for the food like she was performing a wellness check. When she found cabinets and drawers mysteriously empty, confusion gave way to explosive outrage.

OP and the other roommates casually said they had just eaten the last of the groceries and hadn’t had time to restock yet. The explanation did not help, because the roommate instantly began yelling that they had eaten “her food,” conveniently forgetting she never paid for it.

Then came the demand that felt like a plot twist nobody asked for: she insisted that everyone Venmo her money to make up for the food she “missed” while she’d been gone. Two roommates, eager to avoid conflict, reluctantly agreed, but OP refused to let that slide.

The Redditor firmly stated they wouldn’t be paying for something the roommate didn’t own in the first place, especially after months of covering most of what she already devoured. The roommate’s mother, who had come along to help pack, stepped in quickly to calm things down before the shouting escalated further.

Once the tension simmered, the roommate went back to packing, only to notice that both the blanket and the pillow had mysteriously vanished. She immediately asked where they were, trying to sound casual, but the fire in her eyes suggested she already suspected the truth.

OP told her directly that the items were in their car because they belonged to OP, and they knew she might try to take them. With her mother present, the roommate swallowed her reaction, but the silent fury on her face was loud enough to register on the emotional Richter scale.

The peace didn’t last long, because the minute she got home, the roommate unleashed a storm of angry texts. She accused OP of being an AH, claimed they owed her money, and seemed genuinely offended that OP would hide their own belongings from someone who had a history of taking them.

To complicate matters, the other roommates gently suggested that the Redditor could have been “nicer” so as not to embarrass the departing roommate in front of her mom. OP, meanwhile, wondered how protecting their own property and refusing to bankroll someone else’s entitlement could be considered rude.

Now the Redditor is questioning whether they handled things appropriately or whether the mother’s presence made the moment feel harsher than intended. From any reasonable angle, though, this looks less like cruelty and more like long-overdue boundaries finally being enforced.

So OP is left with the classic Reddit dilemma: were they setting fair limits or inadvertently starring as the villain? And honestly, if keeping your own pillow from being kidnapped makes you an AH, then the standards for villainy have officially hit rock bottom.

The roommate had a habit of treating shared items — and even OP’s personal things — like her own private shopping aisle.

AI-generated image

Here’s the original post by Reddit user ‘cheesytoastyomelete’.

Throwaway account. A few days ago my roommate decided she wanted to leave school so she went home and said she’d be back in a few days to get all of her things. Nothing wrong for that, I know college isn’t for everyone and not all schools are right for everyone etc. Anyway, earlier today she came back to get her things and I knew that there would be stuff she would try to steal. For example, I have a blanket my grandma made me that we keep on the couch, and she tells everyone it’s hers. Also, the four of us split food costs four ways even though she would eat almost all of it. Plus there was a pillow I bought at target that I really like, and she would keep it in her bed and use it all the time. So when she texted that she was ten minutes away from here, I hid my blanket, my pillow, and all of our food in my closet behind some empty suit cases. (The last round of food she didn’t even pay for because she wasn’t here). When she got here the first thing she looked for was food. When she noticed there was none I told her that we ate the last of it and didn’t go to buy more yet. This had her enraged and she started screaming that we ate all of “her food” even though she didn’t even pay for the last round of food. She then demanded that we all Venmo her a certain amount of money for the food she missed out on when she left. My other two roommates reluctantly agreed, but I put my foot down and said I wouldn’t pay her for something that wasn’t hers in the first place, especially since we’ve been basically paying for 3/4s of what she already ate here. Her mom was there too so she quickly deescalated the situation after I said that, and so the roommate decided to let it go and pack the rest of her things. Two things she realized were missing was my blanket and my pillow. She asked about where they were and I told her I put them in my car because they were mine and I knew she would try to take them. She didn’t say anything because her mom was right there, but I could tell from her face that she was fuming. Now I’m guessing she just got back home because now she’s texting me nonstop saying I owe her money and that I’m an AH for hiding things that were mine even though she wanted them. My roommates are also saying I could’ve been nicer as to not embarrass her in front of her mom. So I’m pretty sure I’m not, but AITA?

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, emphasizes the importance of communication and boundaries among college roommates. He suggests that misunderstandings often arise from unspoken expectations. In a shared living situation, discussing personal belongings and mutual respect can prevent conflicts.

Gottman's research indicates that proactive communication fosters healthy relationships, especially in high-stress environments like college. Establishing clear agreements about shared spaces and property can significantly reduce tensions and help roommates navigate changes more smoothly.

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted.

TheAshenDemon4

NTA.

Swimming_Gift_5683

A financial planner advises that students should create a roommate agreement that outlines each person’s responsibilities and belongings. This document can include specifics such as food sharing, space usage, and property rights.

Establishing such an agreement not only sets expectations but also helps in conflict resolution. This proactive approach can save time and emotional energy later, allowing roommates to focus on their studies and social engagements rather than disputes over possessions.

Stop being embarrassing!

CatsEatsGrass

“Hope you got your key back.”

TheQuietType84

“Good for you.”

Cipher

According to Dr. Judith Beck, a cognitive therapist, the chaos surrounding shared living situations often stems from anxiety and miscommunication. She explains that setting clear expectations can significantly mitigate these issues.

Beck advocates for open dialogues where roommates can express their feelings and concerns. Creating a safe space for discussion encourages accountability and understanding, making it easier to navigate emotional ups and downs during college life.

Is this a real question?

SDstartingOut

“Those are YOUR things.”

xchelsie

“Block her!”

mdthomas

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, notes that positive interactions can improve roommate dynamics. She suggests that roommates should actively engage in small acts of kindness, like sharing meals or helping with chores, to foster goodwill.

These seemingly minor gestures can enhance the overall atmosphere in shared living spaces and reduce the likelihood of conflicts, leading to a more harmonious living experience during college years.

What if she comes back?

B0327008

You should probably change the locks.

Grouchy-Storm-6758

She was a bully and thief!

HedgieTwiggles

A relationship expert highlights that establishing ground rules around shared items is essential to avoid misunderstandings. This includes discussing food, personal belongings, and communal spaces.

By addressing these topics openly, roommates can establish mutual respect and understanding. A simple checklist or agreement can serve as a guideline, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and feels valued in the shared living arrangement.

Her mom should know.

ParsimoniousSalad

“There’s no argument here.”

Jay-Em-Bee

“Thank goodness her mom was there.”

lava6574

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her research on grit and perseverance, emphasizes the importance of resilience in challenging living situations. She encourages students to view conflicts as opportunities for growth.

By learning to navigate disputes and communicate effectively, college students develop essential life skills that will benefit them beyond their university years. This perspective can transform chaos into constructive solutions, fostering a more supportive living environment.

“Glad she moved out.”

Marzipan-Various

In the end, this wasn’t about embarrassing anyone — it was about finally setting boundaries and refusing to subsidize entitlement. The Redditor walked away with their blanket, their pillow, and the small victory of making it clear that shared space doesn’t mean shared takeaways.

Expert Opinion

This situation highlights how crucial boundaries are in our relationships, especially in shared living situations. The roommate's behavior seems rooted in entitlement, perhaps stemming from a lack of understanding about shared responsibility and respect for others' belongings. The Redditor's decision to protect their items reflects a healthy assertion of self-worth, showing that it's important to stand up for what's rightfully yours, even in the face of conflict.

In summary, navigating roommate relationships requires open communication, clear expectations, and mutual respect. Experts like Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Judith Beck highlight the significance of discussing boundaries and responsibilities to foster a positive living environment.

Proactive measures, such as creating a roommate agreement and engaging in positive interactions, can greatly reduce conflicts. By approaching challenges with resilience and an open mind, college students can transform chaotic situations into opportunities for personal growth and stronger connections.