At what point does being a 'good host' mean I have to pay for my brother's dates?

By @finnforsure · Family

My younger brother lives with me while he finishes school. Last night, he and his girlfriend raided my fridge and pantry for dinner after their plans fell through, and now he thinks I should just be cool with it.

The full story

My brother (22) is living in my spare room to save money, which is fine. He helps with chores, he's quiet, no real issues until now. He has a new girlfriend, and they were supposed to go out for dinner last night. Something happened with their reservation, so they came back to my place. I was in my office on a call and didn't think much of it. I come out a couple hours later to get a snack and my fridge is decimated. They made a whole meal using my expensive steaks I was saving for this weekend, the nice cheese I bought, a bunch of my other groceries. I asked him what was up and he just shrugged and said 'had to feed the guest, man.' I told him he can't just cook for his dates using my groceries without asking, especially the stuff I specifically bought for myself. they said I was overreacting and being a bad host, and that it's just food. It's not 'just food,' it's like $50 worth of stuff. Now he's acting like I'm a cheap jerk for being annoyed.

How people voted

Totally Cooked — 25% (16 votes)
It’s Complicated — 40% (26 votes)
You’re Fine — 35% (23 votes)

Readers are split: “It’s Complicated” leads with 40% — 65 votes and 5 comments so far.

What people are saying

@ohnoitsme — You're being more than generous letting him stay with you. It's not unreasonable to expect him to respect your things.
@onmywaybye — I get that he's your brother but are we sure he's not just using you for a free ride at this point?
@milomm — Time to start keeping a mini-fridge in your bedroom with a lock on it. He can have the regular fridge.
@hankish — nahhh
@paigemaybe — you should start charging him rent by the steak

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