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AITA for letting my friend borrow a tampon that I didn’t buy

· 4 min read

The Great Tampon Debacle of Dorm‑Life 101​

Picture this: you’re 19, living in a dorm that has a bathroom (because, surprise, it’s a dorm). Your roommate, Alyssa, is a fellow 19‑year‑old who apparently has a personal tampon supply that’s conveniently next to the toilet—a shelf that the two of you built because “why not?”

Enter Claire, your friend who drops by for a casual hangout in the common area. The water cooler is a social hub, the snack drawer is a community resource, and the bathroom is now a tampon central.

Claire goes in, returns five minutes later, text: “I just started my period. Can I borrow a tampon?” The answer? A confident, “Sure thing!” because you’re the kind of person who thinks sharing a tampon is just like sharing a pizza slice.

Fast forward to Alyssa’s grand return. She pops into the bathroom, sees the tampons slightly fewer, and immediately pulls out her most dramatic accusation: “Did you just steal one of my tampons? Did you forget that you’re on the Depo‑shot? You’re a serial tampon‑thief”.

Your brain goes into overthink mode: “Am I a jerk? Am I a terrible roommate? Did I just commit a crime against my own personal hygiene?” Meanwhile, the tampon basket is still full.

Enter the Overthinker
You, the rational human, explain to Alyssa that Claire was in a period emergency and you just handed her a tampon like a knight handing out swords. You’re not telling her she can’t borrow a tampon outside the dorm because, well, you’re not the gatekeeper of the “tampon kingdom” (you don’t even own them). The whole thing spirals into a debate about ownership, consent, and the sacred nature of feminine hygiene.

The Moral of the Story
Is it okay to loan a tampon to someone who’s on a period emergency? Is it okay for a roommate to feel like the tampon is a personal property? Is the Depo‑shot a valid excuse for denying a tampon? In a world where the only thing that matters is whether the tampon supply is full or empty, your roommate’s anxiety is high and your sanity is questionable.

TL;DR​

You gave a tampon to a friend in a period emergency. Your roommate got offended because she thinks the tampon stash is her personal property. The comments say you’re not a jerk, but you’re also not a hero. TL;DR: It’s a tampon war.

NTA but when you see trouble brewing… try to overtake it…

“OMG yes Claire unexpectedly got her period and she was soooo THANKFUL that you had a spare tampon for her. I knew that you wouldn’t mind her taking one since it was an emergency and you are someone who helps people out.”

Who is going to argue with that?

Alyssa.

NTA. However, you use the word “borrow” is one of my pet peeves. “Borrow” implies that you will return the goods in more or less the same usable condition. Please tell me you don't expect that tampon back in usable condition. You “gave” a tampon to your friend. In principle, Alyssa is correct, you shouldn't give away or loan her stuff. But giving a friend a tampon in an emergency? We've all been there, you're a hero! Heck, I'd be ok with you giving her a tampon AND a panty liner. Even if it was the last one, let Claire have it and then you both go to the nearest store and buy some more immediately.

I mean, she bought them, so they are technically hers to decide what to do with, but geez…I've given pads/tampons to literal strangers who were in need & had to ask. Alyssa sucks. I would just replace the box & let her have this. And you may not be as petty as me, but I'd remember this the next time she asks for anything.

NTA, it was one tampon, if she's super concerned about the one tampon, direct her to your local college campus/doctor's office/woman's room where they provide them for free. Grab one and call it even.