People head to work expecting the usual routine, but sometimes a small event sparks big drama. A recent online post caught attention when a woman shared her side of a story about an office party thrown in her honor. This resulted in hundreds of comments about workplace etiquette, entitlement, and what counts as fair when food is involved.
The story
A Reddit user is asking, "Am I in the wrong because I took all the leftovers home after a work party?" She explained that she had been at her company for 3 years. Her work anniversary just happened to fall on the same day of her proposal, and she'd also just found out that she was getting a work promotion. She had hoped for some recognition from her workplace, like a small party or a gift. Nothing happened, and she felt let down, so she went home and cried to her partner about it.
He reached out to one of her coworkers (who was soon to be her employee due to her promotion) to talk about it, and that coworker then went to management. That led to a simple celebratory buffet in the break room with snacks, finger foods, and desserts.
At the end of the workday, she packed up all the remaining food and took it home in the containers it came in. The next day, the coworker texted her, asking if she'd taken all the leftovers and dishes. She said yes, and the coworker got upset, saying the food was meant for everyone to enjoy, not just her, and that the leftovers were left for those who missed the party. She also told her that she needed the platter back.
The poster thought the text was out of line, since the party was for her. She felt like, since it was her party, she deserved the leftovers. Her partner told her to apologize and keep the peace, but she disagreed.
Redditors did not hold back. Thousands of comments on this thread laid it all out, and most didn't see it from the original poster's perspective.
The reactions
One user said, "You don't deserve anything. No wonder no one organised anything for you at first. You sound incredibly entitled." This comment is harsh, but sometimes harsh is what it takes. Taking food meant for the office and also taking personal items of others without asking shows a lack of respect. She put her own wants first without considering or talking to those who put the party together.
Someone said, "You were not entitled to the leftovers.. you cried and forced them to throw you a party. Plus, you took their tupperware, give it back, it wasn't yours."
While she didn't technically force anyone to throw her a party, her significant other's phone call to the coworker definitely put the wheels in motion.
One popular comment stated, "Gifts (or parties) should be given from the heart and not because you cried to your boyfriend." Parties and gifts are usually given as a surprise, so it can be a bit off-putting when someone feels pressured to celebrate someone when it wasn't initially planned.
Someone then said, "Work party food stays at work/goes home with whoever brought it unless they give it to you and tell you to take it. I honestly would apply that to any party. Just because it’s in your honor doesn’t mean you get all of the leftovers."
This seems like a good rule to know and follow. Going to a party means enjoying the food there, but unless there are to-go containers, the food stays. Everyone then grabs their container and takes home their own leftovers to enjoy.
Short and sweet. "Your biggest mistake was your expectations." Expectations are high, and more often than not, people are disappointed. It's safe to say that unmet expectations do nothing but upset.
Another comment said, "You stole other people's property, after people were nice enough to throw you a pity party. Actions like this can easily get someone fired."
It might be a gray area if the containers were stolen, but the truth of this statement remains. Treating coworkers who are soon to be employees this way is a bad start to her new promotion. She is going to make it challenging to work and potentially create a hostile work environment for others with this type of mentality.
Several people agreed with this comment. "Hope you enjoyed your leftovers because you'll never get another work party in your honor again."
This is especially true in a workplace where everyone knows each other or has a small workforce. Her attitude and actions will be remembered, and no others will likely go out of their way. Remember the golden rule when dealing with others. Treat others as you want to be treated.
This one-line comment was blunt and to the point. "Is this what happens when we continually give participant trophies? Jeez." Her wanting a party to celebrate a third work anniversary is an accomplishment that many people have done, without parties being thrown for them. The comment insinuated that nothing extraordinary was done here, so thinking that a party was deserved was unjustified.
Work etiquette tips, no matter if you're a manager or employee
Office parties are meant to be relaxing and joyful, but certain actions shouldn't be taken. Common courtesy goes a long way in work settings, and small acts like leaving treats for others or asking before taking things that aren't yours keep things smooth. To every action, there is a reaction. To every choice, there is a consequence.
If you didn't bring the food for a party, don't take it home. If the container isn't yours, don't take it.
Coworkers who break the rules will quickly become known throughout the office for doing so. The best thing to do is to be friendly, aware, and not assume when it comes to food, items, or anything that isn't yours.
If you're unsure about something being right or wrong, ask. Many companies follow an open-door policy for communication, so asking for clarification before making assumptions will likely be appreciated.
Leave a Reply