The Great Lunch Heist: A Lesson in Office Etiquette
In a bustling office environment, one employee found himself facing an unexpected dilemma: his lunch kept mysteriously disappearing from the break room. This was a new experience for him, as he had recently transitioned from remote work to the traditional office setting. To save money, he had taken to packing his own meals, only to discover that his efforts were thwarted by a coworker he would come to know as “M.”
“M,” a devout Muslim known for frequently discussing his religious practices, had a penchant for taking the lunches of others without asking. After a week of missing meals, the employee decided to investigate and uncovered M’s stealthy lunch-snatching behavior. Frustrated and seeking a unique form of retribution, he devised a plan to create a sandwich loaded with pork, a food prohibited in M’s faith.
Dubbed “the squealing supreme,” this over-the-top sandwich featured an array of pork products, from bacon to chorizo, and was designed to be utterly irresistible yet completely off-limits for someone observing halal dietary restrictions. The employee’s intention was clear: to deter M from pilfering his lunch again by crafting a meal that M would never touch.
However, the plan backfired in a way that was both humorous and dramatic. When M unknowingly consumed the sandwich, he quickly realized the error of his ways and erupted into a fit of despair, which echoed through the office. His emotional reaction caught the attention of other employees, leading them to the break room to witness M’s distress. This incident prompted the employee to involve HR, knowing that he now had the leverage needed to address the ongoing theft of his lunches.
Image credits: Quang Anh Ha Nguyen (not the actual photo)
Though the outcome wasn’t as satisfying as he had hoped—M received only a warning—the employee felt a sense of justice had been served. M’s subsequent glare became a reminder that taking someone else’s food can lead to unexpected consequences. This experience served as a cautionary tale for the entire office: respect for others’ belongings, especially in a shared space, is essential to maintaining a harmonious workplace.
In the end, the situation highlighted the importance of communication and respect among coworkers. Whether it’s discussing dietary restrictions or simply asking before taking food, establishing clear boundaries can prevent misunderstandings and promote a positive office culture.
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Image credits: Katerina Holmes (not the actual photo)
