Dear Expat Media: My flatmate steals my stuff all the time

I’m new in Dubai and recently moved into a shared apartment. I love it because it’s very close to the Dubai Metro station and the place is decent and clean. The only problem is, my flatmate is stealing my stuff all the time. At first, it was a new pair of slippers that I left outside my room. And then the foodstuff went missing. Any food that I leave out in the kitchen or in the common refrigerator goes missing. It has happened quite a few times that I think it is deliberate. I don’t mind sharing my food but having it stolen really gets on my nerves. I have asked a flatmate who has become my friend about the situation and she suspects the culprit is one of our flatmates who has been jobless for weeks. I love my new home and don’t want to leave. What should I do? Restless in Rigga

Expat Media editors say

Mars: Dear Restless in Rigga, if moving out is not an option for you right now, you should consider talking to your landlord to see how he or she might be able to help. In the meantime, be vigilant. Don’t leave food, things and other valuables that you don’t want to share in common areas in your apartment. Keep your room locked at all times. You also mentioned that one of your flatmates is jobless and that you don’t mind sharing your food. If you feel that this person might have taken your food but you don’t want to confront them about it, then don’t be too quick to judge. Perhaps they are going through rough times and could use a small act of kindness. Of course, this doesn’t justify their wrongdoing. To the person who steals food: be humble enough to ask for help instead of stealing from others. Nothing good ever comes out of doing wrong to others, no matter how you justify your actions. Ask for help if you genuinely need it. There are still good hearts out there who will not judge you. Clarissa: Follow your instinct. Have a frank and private talk with the person whom you suspect is stealing your things. It is better to let them know that you are aware of what is going on. Either that person will move out, or you will. On food, I believe it is meant to be shared, but of course there has to be consent. If they take small portions or leftovers, maybe you can let it slide because they might be truly hungry and couldn’t help themselves. But if they take the entire dish, then it’s time to have a straight talk with the suspect.
Got a story to share? Drop us a message on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube page