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Man Wonders If He’s A Jerk For Offering Roommate And His GF Home-Cooked Food
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Man Wonders If He’s A Jerk For Offering Roommate And His GF Home-Cooked Food

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They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, but giving someone a delicious, home-cooked meal or some fresh cheesecake can simply be a nice thing to do! There doesn’t have to be an agenda behind it.

One culinary student, whose roommate doesn’t seem to understand this, recently found himself in a bit of a pickle after his roommate’s girlfriend raved about the fabulous food in their house. Now, he’s wondering if he should have held back on the Southern hospitality, so below, you’ll find the full story of his furious roommate that was shared on the “Am I the [Jerk]?” subreddit.

This culinary student is passionate about preparing delicious meals and sharing them with others

Image credits: voronaman111 ( not the actual photo)

But ever since his roommate’s girlfriend began raving about his food, the roommate has decided they have beef

Image credits: cottonbro studio ( not the actual photo)

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Image credits: Sonya Pix ( not the actual photo)

Image credits: darlingdearr

Sharing food with friends and loved ones is a great way to strengthen relationships

Image credits: Mikhail Nilov (not the actual photo)

Most people would be thrilled to have a roommate who shares delicious meals with them, especially in their early twenties. But somehow, this culinary student’s delicious food has come between him and his housemate. Perhaps this roommate needs a reminder that food can, and should, be used to bring people together, rather than drive them apart. In fact, sharing food with a friend or partner can actually strengthen our relationships. Studies on chimpanzees have suggested that sharing food releases oxytocin in both parties, amplifying our positive emotions and encouraging us to make this bond with a person again and again. 

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However, sharing food can only build stronger relationships if both parties are on board with the sharing. Dr. Jennifer Verdolin, an animal behavior researcher specializing in social and mating behavior, told Refinery 29 that if two friends agree to share meals, it’s important that both foods are actually desirable to both parties. If you’re offered something you’re not interested in, there’s no point in sharing, and you might even become annoyed if someone tries to take some of your own food. Perhaps the roommate in this story wasn’t interested in having any of his culinary student roommate’s cheesecake, and that’s why it led to resentment?

Merging socialization with eating might even make us happier and more trusting people

Image credits: Dan DeAlmeida (not the actual photo)

It’s possible that the roommates could have been brought closer together if both understood the value of sharing a delicious meal, and that there were no ulterior motives at hand. In fact, shared meals could have benefits for both parties’ well being. “There is some evolutionary evidence that eating with others provides social and individual benefits: those who eat together with others more often tend to feel happier, be more satisfied with life and are more trusting of others,” Dr Rachel A. Ankeny, Professor in the School of Humanities at the University of Adelaide, told SBS, pointing to research such as Professor Robin Dunbar’s paper Breaking Bread: The Functions of Social Eating.

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If the reason this roommate had a problem with his girlfriend raving about the food was because he was jealous, there’s a simple solution to his problem: start cooking more for his girlfriend. It’s likely that she was simply complimenting the chef, but it’s also possible that she was hinting to her partner that she would appreciate it if he made more of an effort when it comes to preparing meals. Culinary skills are actually a very valuable component of many relationships, as a study of 2,000 Americans found that 43% admitted they’ve ended relationships in the past due to their partner being a poor cook. Three quarters also said they’re more likely to go on a date with someone they know can cook, and 65% said they believe a bad meal can turn the entire date sour. 

And cooking together could be a great way for this roommate and his girlfriend to bond

Image credits: Vlada Karpovich (not the actual photo)

So for anyone looking to impress their partner, don’t be afraid to start building up your culinary skills. You might even want to get your significant other involved, so the two of you can learn together. “Cooking can be an intimate activity that creates bonds and brings people together, so we encourage couples to get in the kitchen to spend some quality time together preparing a meal,” Kristin Bryan, Director of Culinary Innovation at HelloFresh, says. “Cooking should be fun and easy, no matter your culinary experience.” And, of course, you just might find that the way to your partner’s heart was through their stomach after all.

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If this roommate is actually interested in strengthening his relationship with his girlfriend, I’m sure his budding chef roommate would be happy to provide him with some useful tips. Perhaps the culinary student can even teach his roommate a delicious, date night meal to make for his girlfriend. We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this up and coming chef did anything wrong, or do you agree with the commenters that his roommate was likely just jealous? Feel free to share, and then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article discussing roommate drama surrounding food, we recommend checking out this one next!

Readers assured the culinary student that he had done nothing wrong, noting that his roommate is likely just jealous

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shaunlee avatar
SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quick question: Is OP looking for a new roommate? I wouldn't mind some good cooking and I would happily pay for ingredients if he had the time to make it. XP XD

marybricklin avatar
Mary Bricklin
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah... OP is definitely not the AH here. Pretty sure that the roommate is just feeling jealous and insecure. I mean, the roommate has no issue with OP cooking and sharing his food with him. But then the GF stays with them and then there's a problem? The roommate is definitely insecure with his relationship.

rosieetike avatar
Tyke
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a bit baffled by "He's not a friend or anything.... He's good to live with and we watch shows and movies together. We hang out and go out for drinks sometimes". What is a friend then? Why can't he just pull his "not friend" up and ask if something's bothering him, and just talk it out?

nicolekosanke avatar
Nicole Kosanke
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took it to mean he wasn't a friend who he moved in with; they were strangers who then became roommates.

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hannahtaylor_2 avatar
DarkViolet
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Sounds like OP'S roommate is a tad insecure, and lazy to boot. It might be a good idea to eliminate offering food--to both the roommate and his GF. Then start looking for another place to live, preferably with someone who is like-minded and doesn't have an issue with jealousy.

kmanning2970 avatar
Manning Sutherland
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First, ask your roommate in private what the issue really is. Could be many things but others I think hit on it... You make him look bad and seem less like a good partner. Perhaps it's time to find another place to live. Who needs that negativity? During my time in culinary school, I lived exclusively with other culinary school students. It was amazing! We collaborated really well and I learned so much from each of them

ugh_what_now avatar
Ugh_What_Now
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, NTA, but some people are giving the same toxic vibes as the roommate... "emasculated, marked territory". Not to mention the roomie gave his girlfriend an angry look over a CAR WASH? Ugh. Not only is OP's roomie gross and weak, he's the type of guy that pulls the ole bait and switch...wants to "mow the lawn" but 5 years down the line starts yelling at her for wanting to "change him" when she simply expects him to act the same way he did when they first met and "mow the lawn".

terrakochy avatar
Terra Kochy
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Roommate's gf can probably see/sense the jealousy and that is way worse for him than any of the nice things op is doing. She'll get tired of the jealousy.

helen_anne_mertsching avatar
Helen Anne Mertsching
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It seems pretty clear that OP’s NTA, but he might be wise to back off the sharing until he has a serious conversation with his roomie, who seems to be clouded by insecurity that won’t go away on its own. The two need to have as deep a discussion as necessary to figure out what happened here and how to resolve it without ruining a friendship. Beyond that, I think the roommate might benefit from a bit of therapy to learn how to cope with fears that may have a completely rational basis but don’t make sense in this situation. And I send my best wishes for good luck to all three. A boyfriend whose place I shared for a time had abirthday that happened while I was between jobs, so I decided that my present would be a homemade cake. In retrospect, that was a good decision (although it seemed otherwise at the time). He told me his mother’s (from a box) was better. I was so hurt! Other oddness drove me away, and I’m so relieved.

susieevans avatar
Susie Evans
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mr. Oddball liked a bakery cake, most likely made from a mix and frosting from a 5 gallon bucket, better than a cake you made from scratch? Good riddance.

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clarastallworth_1 avatar
Clara Stallworth
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA big time!!! If roomie is worried about losing his GF to you, then it's HE who needs to "step up" HIS game!! From my personal experience with southerners, having grown up with a couple of them (aka my late parents), they tend to be more friendly, hospitable, and willing to help out! My guess is roomie is from the East Coast, where folks tend to be more cynical. If he feels threatened by OP's cooking skills, he should ASK OP to teach him some basics just enough to impress GF. If OP offers to wash his car, he should accept with grace.

susieevans avatar
Susie Evans
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate needs to dial back his jealousy, unless he's willing to take cooking lessons from the OP. Otherwise, the OP needs to quit sharing his food with the roommate and his girlfriend.

deannawoods avatar
deanna woods
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the south as well and I think that for some of us that was just how we were raised. You are supposed to treat your guests with respect and make them feel welcome. If the roommate thinks that by being nice the OP is trying to steal the girlfriend, then the roommate has a problem. Being polite is not the same thing as flirting. I am very polite to my customers, that doesn't mean that I am romantically interested in them.

stefaniepatterson avatar
BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the Midwest with a southern grandma so his behavior is very neighborly to me. Honestly, a really great neighbor. However, I remember as a kid many people would think my mom was flirting with them when she was just being polite. It's happened to me a few times as well. Makes me wonder about how low their bar is if just being friendly = flirting to them. That's just sad

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jeremycrocker avatar
Jeremy Crocker
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are we sure his roommate isn't actually trying to lose his GF and this guy is making it difficult? 😅

joannhart avatar
Joann Hart
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He sounds like a controlling jerk that she needs to run from (not walk away but run). You my friend are NTA but the poster child for the most awesome roommate

o2tiger avatar
The Last Silent Tiger
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP is soooooo wrong. Definitely introverted. In my books, the roommate is a friend... or should I say WAS a friend. Still could be, just needs to change attitude.

jennifercbowen avatar
Suzie
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate is just mad because the OP looks like better boyfriend material.

michelembennett1010att_net avatar
michele mbennett1010@att.net
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like roomy is a pretentious bullshiter who has conned his gf into thinking he's some kinda great catch. Unfortunately, OP has started showing cracks in the facade and he's both jealous and afraid 😨 😱. OP needs to find another roommate, one who can appreciate his genteel upbringing and generosity. Good luck 👍

daniellew__1 avatar
Danielle W.
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Louisiana native, I can confirm that we are much friendlier than most people, which can be taken the wrong way depending on who you're dealing with. I've learned to scale back my niceness because most people seem to think you have some sort of hidden agenda when you're naturally just a nice person.

sheedashaheen82 avatar
Rasheeda Pennybaker
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never witnessed something like this before. I have heard of females getting mad when this happens I think it's funny. This is how I am, they call me the house mom. I worked but when my family and friends need me I am there. I will go to their house for about 2 months to help them out get the house back in order. Get a new schedule in order for the kids and the house so it can run smoothly and the kids are acting better. I cook new and different meals. I even teach them how to cook the meals so when I leave they can keep it going. I love cooking different meals from around the world. Help them get house clean and disinfected. Heck when I leave they and their husband's and kids be crying. But they loved it!

candacemccoy avatar
HUH?
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s telling all her friends and when they around his friends how great of a cook he is. His friends are telling him the roommate is trying to steal her. Or she’s always talking to him about how great a cook his roommate is then asking why he doesn’t cook for her, wash her car etc.

stayoffmylawn_1 avatar
Stay Off My Lawn
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. This ain’t even about you. He’s insecure and doesn’t want his girl to know she’s being shortchanged.

angelaflanagan avatar
AF
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA... If you ever come to Alabama would absolutely love to have a roommate like you. It sounds like he is intimidated, that you mow the lawn, cook and offered to wash both of their cars. Most men can be intimidated by other men that are more rounded and show that they can be kind to others. Don't stop being kind but I wouldn't offer food or be helpful unless asked.

eileenayers avatar
Eileen Ayers
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your roommate is a jealous jerk. It's not your fault he's a lazy a*s. As many have said, he's okay with enjoying your great cooking but God forbid you make something for his girlfriend. Sounds to me like you need a new roommate that will actually share the chores and not worry about what his girlfriend thinks because you're being hospitable. It's not like you didn't share with others before she came around. You need a new roommate that's not so lazy and insecure. Your life will be happier that way. Good luck with your culinary schooling. Keep on cooking!!!

shirleyhuawei12345 avatar
Charlie
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will say NTA as I totally relate because I m like you however being a girl I have to say you overstepped by making her her favorite cake which gave her /them the message that you are interested. The way to a man's heart id is through his stomach that works both ways as you did something extra special for her. And you got her attention. That being said he is insecure by probably not going out of his way to give her special treatment and thus feels threatened by you. The nice guy. And girls go for nice guys. Don't go overboard. Just be u and leave it at that. For now go ghost unless u like her 🤷

jongaudette avatar
jon gaudette
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only person who thinks the stock photo of the dude making pancakes looks exactly like Linus from LinusTechTips on YouTube??

vickimathison avatar
Vicki Mathison
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nta however I had 2 roommates an friend hit on me. One bf roommate slipped me a note . I couldn't even be in the same room after that.

kb_11 avatar
K B
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A jealous roommate is dangerous. He's about to implode.

kjl01 avatar
Karen Lyon
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, the roomie here is someone with deep insecurities and likes the victim role. I am dealing with something similar to this, in my workplace. The other person involved has self esteem issues as well. When she likes how things are going, I'm a great supervisor. When she's not feeling well, or she's emotional about something else in her life, she flips to the narrative that I'm undermining her. No one else who has had her job has complained about the things that get under her skin, and the people I've talked to about this have pretty much told me I'm NTA. We will be having a conversation very soon that basically boils down to her having to make a choice. Either she decides to trust that I am not purposely undermining her/stepping on her self esteem, or we stop working together. That's the same kind of conversation this poster needs to have with his roomie, IMHO.

demanion61 avatar
No One
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm incredibly jealous if the roommate and his gf. I live alone and no one ever cooks for me. Incidentally, how well you cook together is a good test of your compatibility with someone. If you can cook a meal without trupping all over one another, that's a good sign. However, if when cooking together, he seems to always be in the way or where you want to be, that's probably how your lives will go. Run!

alanavoeks_1 avatar
Nykky
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cooking is always a way to spread love, whether friendly, familiar, or romantic. But if he's making a bunch of stuff, it sounds more like he's definitely doing southern hospitality. That's ALWAYS "get full, have a nap, go have some fun". Romantic cooking is more about the time and presentation of the dish than the amount. This guy should really research different cultures, then ask for help so he can better himself, not try to drag those around him down his own self-pity hole.

sonyaatencio avatar
SoñaSatiVa
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate could learn a lot from this guy. Or else he better do a better job of isolating his gf from every guy that has talents he does not. No television, social media, gym is definitely out of the question......🤣

johnsmith_118 avatar
John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your room mate is insecure as f and wants to satisfy his trousers area by doing manly things.

kathykennedy_1 avatar
Kathy Kennedy
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd just tell him he'd better up his game, that you're not going to change the person you are and that you were brought up to be because he's insecure about his own self perceived short-comings. Generosity and helpfulness are something to be commended, there's little enough of it to be found as it is without him trying to curb yours for no good reason

janethowe_1 avatar
Janet Howe
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. OP, along with his culinary skills, is just offering up some of that warm hospitality. You make something, you share it with your friends and family. I'd be pretty darned grateful if someone with OP's skills cooked and offered to share it with me.The problem I see here is the roommate appears to be jealous of OP's cooking skills. Does the stupid roommate think OP is secretly trying to steal his girlfriend? Maybe roommate should learn how to cook. Then he won't be so f-ing intimidated by OP. Theoretically, they all should sit down and discuss the situation like normal human beings. Yeah, theoretically.

synthwolfe avatar
Nathan Wolfe
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm petty as heck. I'd say "sorry roommates gf, he doesn't want me feeding you anymore, so you can't have any. He's never complained about me feeding him though, so he can have the leftovers."

joshgilland avatar
Josh Gilland
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA but also not a wise move to cook a desired meal for someone who's someone else's special person without request. To you it's just what you do, and even under normal circumstances it's normal to your roommate but since she's around he's viewing you as a rival. Which is true whether you want it to be or not, definitely being so young. I've stolen girls from their bf for cooking things for them, texting them regularly and just being nice and I've also been dumped for other guys for similar reasons. It's not your fault and you shouldn't change but pay attention. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she has a crush on you. People tend to get temporary crushes when they experience a good difference from their usual experiences. Age and self esteem play a big role in behavior here.

zoekotti152013 avatar
Mune
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As usual, let's not get all worked up. We're only hearing one side of the story here

denilla avatar
De Nilla
Community Member
11 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Unpopular opinion here, but something is off here. Op says he makes friends easily, but he says he's not friends with his roommate of 1 year. Even though he says they hang out together, go for drinks, watch movies etc. He also acts naive as to why the roommate would "suddenly" want to mow the lawn. Which the roommate would want to do in order to look good for his gf. But op wants the reader to come to that conclusion because he really is trying to look good for his roommates gf and the roommate has obviously caught on to this. This is why the roommate is suspicious of op. They've lived together for a solid year. It doesn't even make sense that the roommate would have her over just to get mad at op for being the same way as he always is. Let's not forget that, even after the roommate seemed to be not thrilled about the car washing offer, or the bread op bakes, op still went on to make her favorite dessert. The whole house may be invited to eat it, but it is still specifically for her.

dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
11 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'd actually go for a very, very mild ESH for both roommates. Obviously OP's roommate is the biggest AH; he's jealous and out of line. But I don't agree with OP's justification that he was just being hospitable to a guest. The roommate was the host, OP was not the host. Roomie's girlfriend coming over doesn't have anything to do with OP. And it would better de-escalate to step back when OP realized his roommate was crazy jealous, rather than continuing to engage by being so friendly.

trishferguson avatar
Trish Panda
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get your point but it wasn't out of character for him to do it for just his roommate. So I can see why he wouldn't see an issue extending it to any of the roommates guests. Whether they be his gf, mother, friend... I feel like OP would be doing it regardless of who the roommate had over.

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shaunlee avatar
SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quick question: Is OP looking for a new roommate? I wouldn't mind some good cooking and I would happily pay for ingredients if he had the time to make it. XP XD

marybricklin avatar
Mary Bricklin
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah... OP is definitely not the AH here. Pretty sure that the roommate is just feeling jealous and insecure. I mean, the roommate has no issue with OP cooking and sharing his food with him. But then the GF stays with them and then there's a problem? The roommate is definitely insecure with his relationship.

rosieetike avatar
Tyke
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a bit baffled by "He's not a friend or anything.... He's good to live with and we watch shows and movies together. We hang out and go out for drinks sometimes". What is a friend then? Why can't he just pull his "not friend" up and ask if something's bothering him, and just talk it out?

nicolekosanke avatar
Nicole Kosanke
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took it to mean he wasn't a friend who he moved in with; they were strangers who then became roommates.

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hannahtaylor_2 avatar
DarkViolet
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Sounds like OP'S roommate is a tad insecure, and lazy to boot. It might be a good idea to eliminate offering food--to both the roommate and his GF. Then start looking for another place to live, preferably with someone who is like-minded and doesn't have an issue with jealousy.

kmanning2970 avatar
Manning Sutherland
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First, ask your roommate in private what the issue really is. Could be many things but others I think hit on it... You make him look bad and seem less like a good partner. Perhaps it's time to find another place to live. Who needs that negativity? During my time in culinary school, I lived exclusively with other culinary school students. It was amazing! We collaborated really well and I learned so much from each of them

ugh_what_now avatar
Ugh_What_Now
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, NTA, but some people are giving the same toxic vibes as the roommate... "emasculated, marked territory". Not to mention the roomie gave his girlfriend an angry look over a CAR WASH? Ugh. Not only is OP's roomie gross and weak, he's the type of guy that pulls the ole bait and switch...wants to "mow the lawn" but 5 years down the line starts yelling at her for wanting to "change him" when she simply expects him to act the same way he did when they first met and "mow the lawn".

terrakochy avatar
Terra Kochy
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Roommate's gf can probably see/sense the jealousy and that is way worse for him than any of the nice things op is doing. She'll get tired of the jealousy.

helen_anne_mertsching avatar
Helen Anne Mertsching
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It seems pretty clear that OP’s NTA, but he might be wise to back off the sharing until he has a serious conversation with his roomie, who seems to be clouded by insecurity that won’t go away on its own. The two need to have as deep a discussion as necessary to figure out what happened here and how to resolve it without ruining a friendship. Beyond that, I think the roommate might benefit from a bit of therapy to learn how to cope with fears that may have a completely rational basis but don’t make sense in this situation. And I send my best wishes for good luck to all three. A boyfriend whose place I shared for a time had abirthday that happened while I was between jobs, so I decided that my present would be a homemade cake. In retrospect, that was a good decision (although it seemed otherwise at the time). He told me his mother’s (from a box) was better. I was so hurt! Other oddness drove me away, and I’m so relieved.

susieevans avatar
Susie Evans
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mr. Oddball liked a bakery cake, most likely made from a mix and frosting from a 5 gallon bucket, better than a cake you made from scratch? Good riddance.

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clarastallworth_1 avatar
Clara Stallworth
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA big time!!! If roomie is worried about losing his GF to you, then it's HE who needs to "step up" HIS game!! From my personal experience with southerners, having grown up with a couple of them (aka my late parents), they tend to be more friendly, hospitable, and willing to help out! My guess is roomie is from the East Coast, where folks tend to be more cynical. If he feels threatened by OP's cooking skills, he should ASK OP to teach him some basics just enough to impress GF. If OP offers to wash his car, he should accept with grace.

susieevans avatar
Susie Evans
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate needs to dial back his jealousy, unless he's willing to take cooking lessons from the OP. Otherwise, the OP needs to quit sharing his food with the roommate and his girlfriend.

deannawoods avatar
deanna woods
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the south as well and I think that for some of us that was just how we were raised. You are supposed to treat your guests with respect and make them feel welcome. If the roommate thinks that by being nice the OP is trying to steal the girlfriend, then the roommate has a problem. Being polite is not the same thing as flirting. I am very polite to my customers, that doesn't mean that I am romantically interested in them.

stefaniepatterson avatar
BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the Midwest with a southern grandma so his behavior is very neighborly to me. Honestly, a really great neighbor. However, I remember as a kid many people would think my mom was flirting with them when she was just being polite. It's happened to me a few times as well. Makes me wonder about how low their bar is if just being friendly = flirting to them. That's just sad

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jeremycrocker avatar
Jeremy Crocker
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are we sure his roommate isn't actually trying to lose his GF and this guy is making it difficult? 😅

joannhart avatar
Joann Hart
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He sounds like a controlling jerk that she needs to run from (not walk away but run). You my friend are NTA but the poster child for the most awesome roommate

o2tiger avatar
The Last Silent Tiger
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP is soooooo wrong. Definitely introverted. In my books, the roommate is a friend... or should I say WAS a friend. Still could be, just needs to change attitude.

jennifercbowen avatar
Suzie
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate is just mad because the OP looks like better boyfriend material.

michelembennett1010att_net avatar
michele mbennett1010@att.net
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like roomy is a pretentious bullshiter who has conned his gf into thinking he's some kinda great catch. Unfortunately, OP has started showing cracks in the facade and he's both jealous and afraid 😨 😱. OP needs to find another roommate, one who can appreciate his genteel upbringing and generosity. Good luck 👍

daniellew__1 avatar
Danielle W.
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Louisiana native, I can confirm that we are much friendlier than most people, which can be taken the wrong way depending on who you're dealing with. I've learned to scale back my niceness because most people seem to think you have some sort of hidden agenda when you're naturally just a nice person.

sheedashaheen82 avatar
Rasheeda Pennybaker
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never witnessed something like this before. I have heard of females getting mad when this happens I think it's funny. This is how I am, they call me the house mom. I worked but when my family and friends need me I am there. I will go to their house for about 2 months to help them out get the house back in order. Get a new schedule in order for the kids and the house so it can run smoothly and the kids are acting better. I cook new and different meals. I even teach them how to cook the meals so when I leave they can keep it going. I love cooking different meals from around the world. Help them get house clean and disinfected. Heck when I leave they and their husband's and kids be crying. But they loved it!

candacemccoy avatar
HUH?
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s telling all her friends and when they around his friends how great of a cook he is. His friends are telling him the roommate is trying to steal her. Or she’s always talking to him about how great a cook his roommate is then asking why he doesn’t cook for her, wash her car etc.

stayoffmylawn_1 avatar
Stay Off My Lawn
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. This ain’t even about you. He’s insecure and doesn’t want his girl to know she’s being shortchanged.

angelaflanagan avatar
AF
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA... If you ever come to Alabama would absolutely love to have a roommate like you. It sounds like he is intimidated, that you mow the lawn, cook and offered to wash both of their cars. Most men can be intimidated by other men that are more rounded and show that they can be kind to others. Don't stop being kind but I wouldn't offer food or be helpful unless asked.

eileenayers avatar
Eileen Ayers
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your roommate is a jealous jerk. It's not your fault he's a lazy a*s. As many have said, he's okay with enjoying your great cooking but God forbid you make something for his girlfriend. Sounds to me like you need a new roommate that will actually share the chores and not worry about what his girlfriend thinks because you're being hospitable. It's not like you didn't share with others before she came around. You need a new roommate that's not so lazy and insecure. Your life will be happier that way. Good luck with your culinary schooling. Keep on cooking!!!

shirleyhuawei12345 avatar
Charlie
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will say NTA as I totally relate because I m like you however being a girl I have to say you overstepped by making her her favorite cake which gave her /them the message that you are interested. The way to a man's heart id is through his stomach that works both ways as you did something extra special for her. And you got her attention. That being said he is insecure by probably not going out of his way to give her special treatment and thus feels threatened by you. The nice guy. And girls go for nice guys. Don't go overboard. Just be u and leave it at that. For now go ghost unless u like her 🤷

jongaudette avatar
jon gaudette
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only person who thinks the stock photo of the dude making pancakes looks exactly like Linus from LinusTechTips on YouTube??

vickimathison avatar
Vicki Mathison
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nta however I had 2 roommates an friend hit on me. One bf roommate slipped me a note . I couldn't even be in the same room after that.

kb_11 avatar
K B
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A jealous roommate is dangerous. He's about to implode.

kjl01 avatar
Karen Lyon
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, the roomie here is someone with deep insecurities and likes the victim role. I am dealing with something similar to this, in my workplace. The other person involved has self esteem issues as well. When she likes how things are going, I'm a great supervisor. When she's not feeling well, or she's emotional about something else in her life, she flips to the narrative that I'm undermining her. No one else who has had her job has complained about the things that get under her skin, and the people I've talked to about this have pretty much told me I'm NTA. We will be having a conversation very soon that basically boils down to her having to make a choice. Either she decides to trust that I am not purposely undermining her/stepping on her self esteem, or we stop working together. That's the same kind of conversation this poster needs to have with his roomie, IMHO.

demanion61 avatar
No One
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm incredibly jealous if the roommate and his gf. I live alone and no one ever cooks for me. Incidentally, how well you cook together is a good test of your compatibility with someone. If you can cook a meal without trupping all over one another, that's a good sign. However, if when cooking together, he seems to always be in the way or where you want to be, that's probably how your lives will go. Run!

alanavoeks_1 avatar
Nykky
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cooking is always a way to spread love, whether friendly, familiar, or romantic. But if he's making a bunch of stuff, it sounds more like he's definitely doing southern hospitality. That's ALWAYS "get full, have a nap, go have some fun". Romantic cooking is more about the time and presentation of the dish than the amount. This guy should really research different cultures, then ask for help so he can better himself, not try to drag those around him down his own self-pity hole.

sonyaatencio avatar
SoñaSatiVa
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The roommate could learn a lot from this guy. Or else he better do a better job of isolating his gf from every guy that has talents he does not. No television, social media, gym is definitely out of the question......🤣

johnsmith_118 avatar
John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your room mate is insecure as f and wants to satisfy his trousers area by doing manly things.

kathykennedy_1 avatar
Kathy Kennedy
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd just tell him he'd better up his game, that you're not going to change the person you are and that you were brought up to be because he's insecure about his own self perceived short-comings. Generosity and helpfulness are something to be commended, there's little enough of it to be found as it is without him trying to curb yours for no good reason

janethowe_1 avatar
Janet Howe
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. OP, along with his culinary skills, is just offering up some of that warm hospitality. You make something, you share it with your friends and family. I'd be pretty darned grateful if someone with OP's skills cooked and offered to share it with me.The problem I see here is the roommate appears to be jealous of OP's cooking skills. Does the stupid roommate think OP is secretly trying to steal his girlfriend? Maybe roommate should learn how to cook. Then he won't be so f-ing intimidated by OP. Theoretically, they all should sit down and discuss the situation like normal human beings. Yeah, theoretically.

synthwolfe avatar
Nathan Wolfe
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm petty as heck. I'd say "sorry roommates gf, he doesn't want me feeding you anymore, so you can't have any. He's never complained about me feeding him though, so he can have the leftovers."

joshgilland avatar
Josh Gilland
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA but also not a wise move to cook a desired meal for someone who's someone else's special person without request. To you it's just what you do, and even under normal circumstances it's normal to your roommate but since she's around he's viewing you as a rival. Which is true whether you want it to be or not, definitely being so young. I've stolen girls from their bf for cooking things for them, texting them regularly and just being nice and I've also been dumped for other guys for similar reasons. It's not your fault and you shouldn't change but pay attention. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she has a crush on you. People tend to get temporary crushes when they experience a good difference from their usual experiences. Age and self esteem play a big role in behavior here.

zoekotti152013 avatar
Mune
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As usual, let's not get all worked up. We're only hearing one side of the story here

denilla avatar
De Nilla
Community Member
11 months ago

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Unpopular opinion here, but something is off here. Op says he makes friends easily, but he says he's not friends with his roommate of 1 year. Even though he says they hang out together, go for drinks, watch movies etc. He also acts naive as to why the roommate would "suddenly" want to mow the lawn. Which the roommate would want to do in order to look good for his gf. But op wants the reader to come to that conclusion because he really is trying to look good for his roommates gf and the roommate has obviously caught on to this. This is why the roommate is suspicious of op. They've lived together for a solid year. It doesn't even make sense that the roommate would have her over just to get mad at op for being the same way as he always is. Let's not forget that, even after the roommate seemed to be not thrilled about the car washing offer, or the bread op bakes, op still went on to make her favorite dessert. The whole house may be invited to eat it, but it is still specifically for her.

dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
11 months ago

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I'd actually go for a very, very mild ESH for both roommates. Obviously OP's roommate is the biggest AH; he's jealous and out of line. But I don't agree with OP's justification that he was just being hospitable to a guest. The roommate was the host, OP was not the host. Roomie's girlfriend coming over doesn't have anything to do with OP. And it would better de-escalate to step back when OP realized his roommate was crazy jealous, rather than continuing to engage by being so friendly.

trishferguson avatar
Trish Panda
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get your point but it wasn't out of character for him to do it for just his roommate. So I can see why he wouldn't see an issue extending it to any of the roommates guests. Whether they be his gf, mother, friend... I feel like OP would be doing it regardless of who the roommate had over.

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