Roommate Stole My Makeup, So I Gave Her a Lesson She’ll Never Forget
A bad roommate can ruin even the most delicious of spaces, and a flagrant has to be on the worst end of the scale In the case of one irate tenant, her housemate’s practice of “borrowing” clothes, shoes and — most annoyingly — her pricey make-up finally drove her over the brink. Her roommate continued to brush off her complaints despite multiple warnings not to use her things.
Things changed in a single moment—when her roommate took her expensive foundation for a night out, only to return it dirty and empty. Annoyed, but just clever enough, she devised the ideal plan: replacing her foundation with a cheap drugstore version that had been cut with self-tanner. Soon after, her own lesson to mind other people’s things, her roommate cocked out of the bathroom with a pumpkin faced one week-end. Well, the message obviously hit home, and the roommate kept her paws off her makeup after that.
Someone constantly taking your stuff without permission can get infuriating, be it food, clothing, makeup, or anything else
This woman’s roommate would constantly use her stuff without asking, but that didn’t last long after she “borrowed” some of her makeup
Dealing with Boundary-Crossing Roommates
1. Understanding Why Some Roommates Disrespect Boundaries
Lack of appreciation for others’ belongings is the bane of every roommate relationship, and so that’s where this story of bad behavior comes in. As per a recent survey by Rent. According to Apartments. Very often, individuals who violate boundaries multiple times do not notice, or ignore, the need for personal space.
Psychologists also call this kind of behavior entitlement or a lack of emotional insight. They use others belongings for a foundation or a few hours to already return, having no idea that it actually sort of offends the trust to do so.
2. The Power of “Natural Consequences”
The prank that the self-tanner is in this story is an example of how natural consequences — and allowing someone to see the results of their behavior without telling them that directly — is a more effective means of behavior modification. Ultimately, the roommate did not need to argue endlessly or pick up the situation to learn that using somebody else’s makeup without consent was a terrible idea.
Playful pranks shouldn’t go over the line into malice but things around this range may be your message of “teachable moments.” However, the key is to ensure that those consequences are only applied to the behavior and are relatively harmless — an orange glow from cheap makeup rather than any actual damage or harm, for example.
3. Why Sharing Makeup Is a Risk Beyond Boundaries
Incorrectly putting on someone else make up, especially without consent, isn’t simply bothersome — it’s also unhygienic and unsafe. According to the dermatologists at Cleveland Clinic, certain products like foundation, lipsticks and mascaras transfer bacteria; leaving a person open to infections like pink eye, cold sores, and breakouts. Some of the foundations which come in contact with brushes / hands / sponges, tend to harbor bacteria that aggravate skin conditions.
Also, buying a shade that does not match your skin color or buying cheap, low-quality products can trigger allergies, as the said roommate learned in a very funny way. Apart from the — we mean the “orange face,” this is a great reminder that makeup is an intimate product and should never be used without permission.
4. Setting and Enforcing Boundaries with Difficult Roommates
Although the prank served as a short-term solution to the problem, in the long run handling roommates who overstep boundaries often requires clear and assertive communication. Here are steps that anyone can take:
- Clearly State Expectations: Be upfront about what items are off-limits and why. For example: “Please don’t use my makeup. It’s expensive, personal, and not for sharing.”
- Use Labels and Organization: Keep personal items in labeled containers or locked drawers to discourage unauthorized borrowing.
- Implement Written Agreements: For serious violations, a written roommate agreement can help outline personal boundaries and consequences.
- Stand Firm and Follow Through: If boundaries are crossed, follow through with appropriate actions—whether that’s addressing the issue calmly or, as seen here, letting natural consequences play out.
5. Roommate Etiquette: Why Respect Matters
Respect — The Most Important Part Of Being Roommates Creating coherence in a shared being environment is going be a matter of communication and empathy. When boundaries are blown off by roommates over and over again, or if boundary-setting goes ignored, they can breed toxicity and bitterness amongst roommates. Have respect for privacy, especially your own regain respect when borrowing other items, and appreciate the other person belongings as much as you appreciate your own.
Fellow netizens shared their thoughts in the comments, and the OP replied to some of them, providing more details
A roommate who frequently crossed her boundaries meant this woman had to get creative, and YOU may as well – but this way, no fireworks! The perfect response. Although pranks are not always the answer, this one did an excellent job of effectively serving the lesson that personal property should be respected – the only thing the roommate was left with was an orange face for a bit and an understanding of boundaries.
In shared living set-ups, there has to be mutual respect and coordination. And, if all else fails, perhaps an innocuous little bit of karma will suffice.
