AITA for removing all the cutlery and dishes in my shared apartment?
Imagine coming home to find your most cherished possessions—say, a set of delicate dishes passed down from your grandmother—being casually used by strangers at a party. For one Reddit user, this wasn’t just a fleeting irritation but the final straw in a saga of roommate disrespect. Their special cutlery and bowls, reserved solely for personal use due to deep sentimental value, were repeatedly grabbed despite clear rules.
After a bold move to lock away every pot, pan, and spoon in their room, they’re now facing a storm of roommate tantrums and accusations of being a “dicklord.” Was this a justified stand for respect, or an overreaction that’s turned a shared apartment into a battleground? Let’s dive into this juicy drama that’s got everyone picking sides.
‘AITA for removing all the cutlery and dishes in my shared apartment?’
This roommate saga is less about dishes and more about boundaries—or the lack thereof. The OP’s frustration stems from repeated violations of a clear rule, which feels like a personal betrayal given the sentimental value of their items. Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a psychology professor, notes, “In shared living, respect for personal property is a cornerstone of harmony. Ignoring boundaries signals a lack of empathy”. The roommates’ casual disregard, culminating in using only the off-limits items during a party, suggests either negligence or intentional provocation.
Shared living often tests personal boundaries, with 40% of young adults in shared housing reporting conflicts over household items, per a 2021 Apartment Therapy survey. The OP’s decision to remove all kitchenware, while dramatic, was a response to feeling unheard. However, storing sentimental items in a communal space invited risk.
Dr. Whitbourne advises, “Protect cherished items by keeping them private, and address violations calmly to avoid escalation.” OP could return shared items but store their special set separately, perhaps in a locked cabinet. A house meeting to reset rules might also clear the air.
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
Reddit’s got some spicy takes on this kitchenware caper, served with a side of humor and blunt advice. Here’s what the community dished out about this household showdown:
![[Reddit User] − I'm gonna go against the grain here and say ESH, because sentiment display dishes should be kept in a display area rather than amongst the regular communal dishes. I'd also think it's strange that you would immediately assume they're baiting you?](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/314112we-09.png)
![[Reddit User] − YTA. Big time. Leaving aside the fact that it’s seriously weird to have “special” dishes and cutlery that only you can use because they’re “sentimental,” you left these items in the kitchen where they were evidently mixed in with the everyday items that everyone else uses.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/314112we-12.png)
![[Reddit User] − ESH. All of this is supremely childish. But this put me in mind of the post made yesterday about the difference between real-world perception and internet perception.. You come off here like a major a**hole, one who’s bent on revenge.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/314112we-16.png)
These Reddit opinions are hotter than a skillet left on the stove, but do they get to the heart of the issue? Is OP’s lockdown a masterclass in boundary-setting, or a recipe for roommate disaster?
This tale of forks and fury leaves us pondering: when does standing your ground cross into petty revenge? The OP’s drastic move sparked chaos, but it also forced a reckoning over respect in shared spaces. Whether you’re Team OP or think everyone’s a bit spoon-y, one thing’s clear—living with others tests patience like nothing else. Have you ever had to draw a hard line with roommates over personal stuff? What would you do if your treasures were treated like common goods? Drop your thoughts and stories below!
