WIBTA if I call out a coworker who always guilts everyone in the office into sharing their food but never shares any of her food to us?

In a bustling office where client visits bring sweet treats like donuts and cupcakes, a subtle power play unfolds around the break room table. One worker, frustrated by coworker Jackie’s knack for guilting others into sharing their gifted goodies while hoarding her own for her family, feels the sting of unfairness. Jackie’s enthusiastic “I can’t wait to taste that!” carries an unspoken demand, yet her own treats vanish to her desk with a quick “My kids love this.” The office hums with camaraderie, but this food-sharing double standard sours the vibe.

The worker, torn between keeping the peace and calling out Jackie’s hypocrisy, wonders if a confrontation is worth the risk. With pastries as the unlikely battleground, this story captures the delicate dance of workplace etiquette, where small actions—like a cupcake grab—reveal deeper tensions. It’s a relatable saga of fairness, boundaries, and the courage to speak up in a shared space.

‘WIBTA if I call out a coworker who always guilts everyone in the office into sharing their food but never shares any of her food to us?’

This office food feud highlights the subtle art of workplace reciprocity gone awry. Jackie’s guilt-tripping to snag others’ treats while guarding her own reveals a lack of fairness that can erode team trust. Workplace psychologist Dr. Amy Cooper, cited in Harvard Business Review , notes, “Small behaviors, like unequal sharing, can signal deeper issues of entitlement, impacting team morale.” Jackie’s comments, like “I can’t wait to taste that,” create social pressure, while her refusal to share suggests a one-sided expectation.

The worker’s hesitation to call her out reflects a valid concern about workplace harmony. A 2023 study from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 65% of workplace conflicts stem from perceived unfairness in resource sharing, including informal perks like food. Jackie’s behavior, while not malicious, disrupts the team’s give-and-take culture, especially since other coworkers share willingly.

For solutions, Dr. Cooper suggests addressing such issues indirectly first, like saying, “I’m saving these for those who’ve shared with me.” This sets boundaries without confrontation. If Jackie persists, a private, polite chat—e.g., “I’ve noticed you don’t share your food, but you expect ours; can we find a fair balance?”—could clarify intentions. The worker could also rally coworkers to model reciprocal sharing, subtly nudging Jackie.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

The Reddit gang rolled into this office drama like it was a potluck with a side of shade. From clever clapbacks to calls for subtle shade, the comments offer a spicy mix of support and strategy for tackling Jackie’s food-grabbing ways. Here’s the raw scoop from the crowd:

These Redditors served up witty ways to handle Jackie, from mirroring her excuses to drawing clear lines. But do their sassy suggestions solve the issue, or just stir the office pot?

This tale of office treats and tricky coworkers dishes out a relatable slice of workplace life, where a cupcake can spark a showdown over fairness. The worker’s urge to call out Jackie’s double standards reflects a universal quest for respect in shared spaces, but the risk of drama looms large. With Reddit’s clever quips in hand, the path to balance feels possible. How would you handle a coworker who takes but never gives in your office? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation sizzling.