AITAH for refusing to give leftovers to a potluck guest who did not chip in?
Imagine hosting a cozy neighborhood potluck—wine flowing, Thai food steaming—only for one guest to swipe leftovers she didn’t pitch in for. One Redditor’s had it with Betsy, the perennial freeloader who’s been sipping everyone’s wine and scarfing pizza for years without a dime. When she tried to snag the takeout haul, they shut it down, divvying it among the contributors instead. Cue tears, a dramatic exit, and a neighborly divide. Was this a stingy snub or a fair feast fight? Let’s dish it out.
For two decades, this townhouse crew’s been vibing—BYOB happy hours, shared pizza pies—until Betsy’s mooching hit peak audacity at the Redditor’s pad. No wallet, no wine, just a double helping of pricey Pad Thai and a grab for the leftovers. The host said “nah,” handed bags to the payers, and left Betsy empty-handed. She’s ghosted the gang since, and opinions are split: mean or deserved? Is this about manners or mercy? Scoop the full story below!
‘AITAH for refusing to give leftovers to a potluck guest who did not chip in?’
This potluck spat’s a tasty one—dig in!
Potlucks are sacred ground—everyone chips in, everyone eats. Our Redditor’s been hosting a generous crew, but Betsy’s been dining on their dime for years: guzzling wine, gobbling extras, and “forgetting” her wallet like it’s a talent. Snagging leftovers she didn’t fund? That’s the chopstick that snapped it. Blocking her take-home haul was a bold garnish—let’s season the debate.
Betsy’s got a rep—showing up empty-handed, topping off her glass from others’ bottles, and double-dipping on shared grub. It’s not just broke vibes; it’s entitled. A 2022 Etiquetteer survey found 85% agree potluck guests should contribute—cash, dish, or drink. She’s dodged that social contract, banking on goodwill ‘til it ran dry. The Redditor’s call-out wasn’t petty—it was principle. Why reward a freeloader when others shelled out?
Still, the public “nope” stings—tears and all. A quiet “contributors only” rule pre-dinner might’ve dodged the scene—psychologist Dr. Amy Canevello says confrontation works best with prep, not impulse (source). Betsy’s broke excuse holds less water when chips or a $2 bottle could’ve sufficed. Neighbors calling it mean? They’ve enabled her too long. NTA—she paid to play, Betsy didn’t.
Was it too harsh? Not really. It’s their home, their spread—fairness trumps feelings here. Betsy’s exit might be the gift that keeps on giving. Readers, your bite: was this a host’s right or a hospitality hiccup?
Check out how the community responded:
Reddit’s cooking up takes hotter than Thai curry—taste them!
Are these flavors fire or just salty noise?
From a friendly potluck to a freeload fallout, this Redditor drew a line when Betsy grabbed for unpaid goodies—leaving her plate-less and the crew split. Was denying her a fair chop of justice, or did it over-spice the neighborly vibe? How’d you handle a mooch at your table? Serve your thoughts below—we’re starving for it!
