Co-living 101: Fridge & Food: Can You Share Without War?

Q: Your roommate eats your leftovers without asking. What's the best way to address it?

Talk to them about labeling or asking before taking food. Respectful and proactive. A calm discussion about clear boundaries, like labeling or asking, prevents misunderstandings and fosters respect.

Q: Your housemate suggests everyone shares all groceries to simplify things. Is this a good idea?

Yes. It promotes a communal vibe and reduces conflicts. Collaborative and practical. Shared groceries can work if everyone agrees on contributions and preferences, fostering a cooperative environment.

Q: Your housemate leaves expired food in the fridge, causing a smell. How should you handle it?

Throw it out and let them know afterward. Practical and respectful. Removing spoiled food keeps the fridge usable, and informing them calmly opens a discussion about fridge maintenance.

Q: Is it reasonable to expect roommates to label all their food in a shared fridge?

No. Clear communication about what's shared is enough. Balanced and realistic. Open discussion about shared and personal food reduces confusion without requiring rigid labeling rules.

5 Questions

By: The Platuni Team

03 Jun, 2025

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1. Your roommate eats your leftovers without asking. What's the best way to address it?

Eat their food in return to even things out

Ignore it and hope they stop

Talk to them about labeling or asking before taking food

Put a lock on your food containers

Co-living 101: Fridge & Food: Can You Share Without War?

1. Your roommate eats your leftovers without asking. What's the best way to address it?

Eat their food in return to even things out

Ignore it and hope they stop

Talk to them about labeling or asking before taking food

Put a lock on your food containers

2. Your housemate suggests everyone shares all groceries to simplify things. Is this a good idea?

Yes. It promotes a communal vibe and reduces conflicts

No. Everyone should have their own food to avoid disputes

Only if you track who buys what

Only if one person does all the shopping

3. Your roommate's food takes up most of the fridge space. What's the best approach?

Discuss dividing fridge space evenly or setting shelf limits

Move their food to make room for yours

Complain to other roommates to pressure them

Throw out their food to free up space

4. Your housemate leaves expired food in the fridge, causing a smell. How should you handle it?

Throw it out and let them know afterward

Leave it there and hope they notice

Leave a note calling out the gross food

Move the expired food to their room

5. Is it reasonable to expect roommates to label all their food in a shared fridge?

Yes. It prevents confusion and accidental eating

No. Clear communication about what's shared is enough

Only for expensive or special items

Only if someone keeps eating others' food