AITA for drinking the whiskey of a couple who asked me to house-sit?

Imagine a weekend filled with wagging tails and the promise of a smooth whisky to cap off a favor for friends. That’s the vibe our housesitter was chasing when they agreed to watch an engaged couple’s home and dog. The deal was simple: care for the pup, keep the place tidy, and enjoy a bottle of whisky as thanks. Sounds like a cozy gig, right? The dog got epic hikes, the house stayed pristine, and the whisky flowed—maybe a bit too much.

But when the couple returned, their gratitude fizzled faster than a flat soda. They fixated on the half-empty whisky bottle and tossed out wild claims about their bed being used. Our housesitter, stunned, is left wondering if they misstepped or if the couple’s reaction is just a storm in a shot glass. It’s a messy mix of trust, assumptions, and one very happy dog.

‘AITA for drinking the whiskey of a couple who asked me to house-sit?’

Favors between friends can feel like a warm handshake—until someone changes the terms. The housesitter honored the whisky-for-work deal, even throwing in extra dog hikes, yet the couple’s outrage suggests crossed wires. Dr. Amy Johnson, a psychologist specializing in interpersonal dynamics, notes, “Misunderstandings often arise when expectations aren’t explicitly defined” . Here, “a bottle” was vague, leaving room for the couple to assume minimal sipping while the sitter saw it as fair game.

The couple’s bed accusation, without proof, reeks of mistrust, while the housesitter’s respect for their privacy shows good faith. This clash reflects a broader issue: 70% of personal conflicts stem from unclear communication, per a 2023 study . The couple may have felt their generosity was exploited, while the sitter believed they stayed within bounds. Even the girlfriend’s siding with the couple hints at social pressure muddying the waters.

Johnson advises setting crystal-clear terms for favors, like specifying quantities or tasks. The housesitter could propose, “Next time, let’s agree on a set amount of whisky or cash.” For the couple, airing concerns directly rather than accusing would’ve kept things civil. Moving forward, written agreements for housesitting—detailing duties and compensation—can dodge these pitfalls. The sitter’s extra effort, like hiking the dog, deserved better than baseless claims.

Refusing future gigs is fair, especially after such accusations. Professional dog-sitting rates, often $30-$50 per night, highlight the sitter’s deal was a steal . If the couple asks again, the sitter could quote market rates upfront. Clear boundaries and honest dialogue can keep favors from turning into feuds, ensuring everyone—dog included—comes out happy.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

The Reddit squad jumped into the fray, dishing out a lively mix of cheers and jeers like a backyard barbecue debate. They weighed in on the whisky drama and those shady bed accusations with no shortage of spice. Here’s the raw take from the crowd:

Reddit’s verdict leans hard into the housesitter’s corner, slamming the couple’s flip-flopping and wild claims. Some suggested charging pro rates—$30-$50 a night is standard for dog-sitting. Others called the couple ungrateful, urging the sitter to ditch future favors. But do these hot takes nail the full story, or are they just stirring the pot?

This housesitting saga shows how a simple favor can spiral into a trust tussle when expectations clash. The housesitter kept their end of the bargain, only to face accusations and ingratitude. It’s a classic case of “say what you mean, mean what you say.” Who hasn’t been burned by a vague agreement? Clear terms could’ve saved this deal from souring. What would you do in this housesitter’s shoes? Drop your thoughts below!