Woman Asks Coworker to Reimburse Her for $45 Coffee Pods. Now She’s Getting the Cold Shoulder

A woman turned to Reddit for support after a frustrating incident at work involving what might seem like a minor issue — but one that struck a nerve: coffee.

In her post, she shared that a coworker had been regularly helping herself to her personal stash of premium coffee pods — without ever asking permission.

“At first I didn’t mind because it was just once in a while,” she wrote. “But now it’s literally every single day, sometimes twice a day.” What began as an occasional favor quickly spiraled into a daily habit, and the cost, she noted, was adding up fast.

Each pod, she explained, costs about $1.50, and she had been using them as a way to cut back on Starbucks while saving for an upcoming vacation. “I calculated it out and she’s probably used about $45 worth of my coffee in the past month,” she said.

Despite her initial reluctance to bring it up, the woman finally addressed the issue. “I said something like ‘hey just so you know those pods cost quite a bit, would you mind chipping in or bringing your own?'”

But the coworker didn’t respond as expected. “She said she thought I was just being nice by sharing and that it’s weird to keep track of something so small,” she recalled.

However, the woman clarified that she had never offered to share the pods in the first place. “The thing is I never actually offered to share them? She just started taking them one day and I was too awkward to say anything at first.”

The workplace atmosphere has since shifted. “She’s been giving me the cold shoulder all week and even made some comment to other people about how I’m ‘nickel and diming’ her over coffee,” she said.

For her, it’s not about being petty — it’s about respect. “If someone was eating your lunch every day without asking you’d say something right?” she asked, pointing out the boundary that had clearly been crossed.

Reddit users jumped in with supportive comments and helpful tips. One suggestion: “Put the pods somewhere she can’t reach them. Lock them in a cabinet, drawer or box.”

While some said it might be too late to ask for repayment, they emphasized the importance of boundaries. “You haven’t spoken up until now, so you can’t charge her for the past,” one commenter wrote. “Yes, she’s an A-hole for treating coffee like a free candy dish.”

Others added that it was a reminder to speak up early in uncomfortable situations. “You aren’t overreacting at all but hopefully this can be a lesson on speaking up. Calling her out from the beginning for taking without asking would have been best.”

The post struck a chord with many, who agreed the woman had every right to put her foot down.

One commenter even suggested a blunt but honest reply: “If she asks why they are no longer available, tell her the truth. ‘I can’t afford to give them away any longer. You can buy them for yourself on Amazon.’”

Despite the fallout, the woman appears resolute in her decision to finally stand up for herself.