AITA for refusing to share my oil during class?

An art class turned awkward when Molly and Julia, two classmates, eyed the OP’s bottle of oily thinner, hoping to borrow it. As the only student who brought the required supplies, the OP politely said no, unwilling to share their pricey oil. Molly’s glare and Julia’s shocked expression kicked off a week of tension, leaving the OP wondering if they were in the wrong.

This story explores a clash between personal responsibility and classroom expectations. Did the OP make the right call by guarding their supplies, or did their refusal stir up unnecessary conflict? Jump into this tale of art school drama and a $8 bottle that caused a surprising stir!

‘AITA for refusing to share my oil during class?’

To get the full picture, let’s start with the art school setting, where the drama began with a teacher’s supply list.

I go to an art school, we recently started using oil paints and if you ever used them you know that they aren't exactly cheap. Last week our teacher asked...

Now on said day the teacher asked to see our materials and out of 15 or so people I was the only one with oil. This in it self wasn't...

Next, let’s see how two classmates, Molly and Julia, stirred the pot with their lack of preparation.

After two hours (we had this specific class for three) I started seeing two classmates of mine getting all their paints out (they didn't bring brushes but planned to use...

 

When I saw them I was obviously confused since, like the name might suggest, you need oil to use oil paints and they didn't have it.

(LATER EDIT: Thanks to multiple in the comments I found out that you can use oil paints without any solvents, such as oily thinner, my teacher was just adamant about...

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

One thing that I would like to say is that the specific brand that I bought (the teacher approved it) isn't exactly cheap, at least for a student, it's about...

The tension peaked when the teacher asked the OP to share their oil, putting them in a tough spot.

ADVERTISEMENT

When they finished setting everything up they just kind of stared at me without uttering a word until the teacher went up to them to see what they were doing;...

Now everyone had basically finished their drawing and was ready to start painting so putting 2 and 2 together I realized that if I gave them my stuff everyone would...

I very quietly refused and the teacher understood my situation. Molly immediately started glaring at me and Julia just looked shocked that I said no.

ADVERTISEMENT

Finally, let’s look at the aftermath of the OP’s decision and the doubts that followed.

Before anyone asks, they aren't exactly the type of people that just give you their materials. They always expect the a lot without giving much in return aka they will...

They started to ignore me for the rest of the week (it was Thursday), it is currently Monday and they still haven't brought their own material and I'm having a...

ADVERTISEMENT

Edit: first of all I wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and knowledge that I was given.. Oil painting is something I have always enjoyed but never really...

I personally don't mind sharing different things like pencils, erasers, pens, sharpeners and even brushes sometimes it happens and there's no problem in that. But this was slightly different for...

yeah it's the same for a pen but they have two very distinct prices also the fact that they didn't even come up to me says a lot on it's...

ADVERTISEMENT

One last thing that I would like to mention is PLEASE DON'T share this story on platforms like TIKTOK or INSTAGRAM. I'm not comfortable with that at all since this...

I know that this doesn't really sound like that big of a problem but I personally don't like sharing my emotion on social media but because I had been wrecking...

When a $8 bottle of oily thinner becomes the center of classroom drama, it raises a bigger question: How do you stand up for yourself without burning bridges in a group setting?

ADVERTISEMENT

The OP’s refusal to share their expensive oil was a reasonable move, especially since Molly and Julia failed to prepare despite clear instructions. Their glares and silent treatment suggest a sense of entitlement, ignoring the OP’s right to prioritize their own needs. As psychologist Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne explains, “Setting boundaries protects your resources and fosters mutual respect in relationships” (Psychology Today, 2020). The teacher’s understanding of the OP’s stance further validates their choice, but the classmates’ reaction highlights a lack of accountability.

This scenario reflects a common challenge in collaborative environments: balancing generosity with self-preservation. The OP’s willingness to share cheaper items like pencils shows they’re not selfish, but the high cost of oil changes the equation. A candid conversation could clear the air and prevent further tension.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

The online community dove into this art class saga with enthusiasm, offering everything from staunch support to witty takes on classroom dynamics. Here’s what they had to say!

ADVERTISEMENT

These commenters backed the OP, stressing that personal supplies, especially pricey ones, aren’t up for grabs.

sinloxie − NTA. You are allowed to say no. As a former art student myself it was considered rude to ask for another’s self bought items. Especially the expensive ones....

HTSlippy − NTA. As an arts major, more specifically a Music Major, there is nothing more frustrating than other artists not bringing in their materials and you having to share...

ADVERTISEMENT

But luckily for me, it barely costs anything. You're working with materials that need constant replacement, and it stacks up. If they're using your materials too, it goes by just...

jwarrior80 − NTA, as a former art student. . your supplies are yours and no one is entitled to them. Artists spend a lot of money on their paints, brushes...

This group didn’t mince words, slamming Molly and Julia for expecting handouts while failing to prepare.

ADVERTISEMENT

RealTexasJake − NTA - I'm guessing they're the type of girls who are used to getting what they want from people so they can popular, etc. and you didn't give...

soumwise − Absolutely NTA. Oils are expensive as hell, even student versions can be. One of our teachers once told the class to buy oils and later, after everyone had...

The teacher let your classmates know to bring it in advance and they didn’t do it. (If they were financially unable to buy it or anything like that, they should...

ADVERTISEMENT

grianmharduit − NTA The are shocked entitled princesses used to getting their way. They cannot believe you are immune to their manipulation Girls like this make it very difficult for...

These commenters brought humor and practical advice, urging the OP to hold their ground while offering ways to ease the tension.

Treacle_Moon − NTA entitled much? These girls shouldn't just expect to be able to use your stuff, especially since you aren't really good friends, and especially since it would be...

ADVERTISEMENT

Why should you be penalised for being the only one to prepare? In my opinion the teacher shoildnt have even put you in that position.

sierraivy − NTA - oil paints are EXPENSIVE. Even student grade are pricey. Were they going to reimburse you, or buy paints to make up for what they used of...

ADVERTISEMENT

Expensive-Isopod8249 − NTA some things are pricy and your not made of money. Given the same list they didn't bring them , that's on them. They could bought some if...

Mesapholis − NTA - an important lesson to learn in life is, to be helpful when you can be - but to say no when you don't feel comfortable doing...

Which is pretty much every day after your final class. If they expect the best, they should have bought and brought their best I guess

ADVERTISEMENT

The online crowd has the OP’s back, emphasizing that no one’s entitled to their pricey supplies. Some witty voices add that Molly and Julia need a reality check, while others suggest a tactful approach to keep the peace without giving in.

This story reminds us that it’s okay to protect your own resources, especially when others drop the ball. The OP’s choice to say no wasn’t about being stingy—it was about fairness. Still, a little diplomacy could smooth things over and keep the classroom vibe friendly.

What should the OP do to handle the tension with Molly and Julia? Should they stick to their guns or find a way to mend fences? Share your thoughts!

ADVERTISEMENT
Share this post

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *