Roommate Uses My Espresso Machine Without Asking - AITA for Refusing Equal Rent Split?

In the world of shared living spaces, maintaining boundaries can often become a tricky endeavor. One Reddit user recently found themselves in a heated debate with their roommate over the use of personal belongings, specifically an espresso machine that holds sentimental value.

The original poster (OP) expresses their frustration after their roommate has been using the machine without permission, leaving it messy and consuming their expensive coffee beans. The situation escalated after the OP politely addressed the issue, suggesting that if their roommate wanted to use the espresso machine, they should contribute to the coffee supply and take turns cleaning it.

While OP believes they are simply asserting their boundaries, their roommate reacted defensively, insisting that as roommates, everything should be shared equally. This disagreement raises pertinent questions about respect for personal property and the expectations that come with cohabiting.

As the thread unfolds, users are weighing in on the situation, offering support for OP's stance. The comments reflect a shared understanding of the importance of communication and respect in any roommate dynamic.

With differing opinions on what constitutes fair sharing, this discussion invites readers to consider their own experiences and perspectives on boundaries within shared living arrangements. What do you think—should personal items be off-limits, or is everything fair game in a roommate situation?

Original Post

So I'm (28M) and I recently moved in with my roommate (27F) to split rent and expenses. Quick context: I have this awesome espresso machine that I bought with my own money, and it's my pride and joy.

I use it every morning to make my coffee just the way I like it. The issue is, my roommate has been helping herself to my espresso machine without asking.

She uses up my expensive coffee beans, leaves a mess behind, and doesn't even bother cleaning up or refilling anything. It's really starting to annoy me because it feels like she's taking advantage of my stuff.

I brought it up with her politely, asking her to please not use my things without permission and offering to show her how to use it properly if she wants. But she got defensive, saying we're roommates and should share everything equally, including my espresso machine.

I get where she's coming from, but this is something I bought with my own money, and I take good care of it. I don't mind sharing, but I want it to be on my terms.

So I told her that if she wants to use it, she should contribute to buying the coffee beans and maybe take turns cleaning it. She got upset and said I was being selfish, that we're supposed to split everything equally, and I can't just pick and choose what I share.

I feel like she's not respecting my boundaries and taking advantage of my generosity. So AITA?

Comment from u/PizzaLover89

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What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.