The Prosecution: Lucy
Niko: My partner of 10 years, helps himself to my box of snacks and then blames me for buying them. I enjoy having a small stash of chocolate in the flat, but Niko doesn’t like it. Sometimes he gives in and eats one, but then gets upset with me. However, it’s his choice to eat them.
There have been times when I’ve eagerly looked forward to enjoying my saved snacks, only to find that they’re gone. My friends once gifted me a box of Happy Hippos for my birthday, which Niko devoured. Another time, I was excited to have some delicious Italian biscuits, but Niko had already finished them. I called him and asked, “What have you done?” Not only does he eat my snacks, but he also blames me for buying them!
Niko says he has to eat them before they go bad, even if he doesn’t want to. He claims it’s to prevent food waste. This is partially true as I do have a habit of storing things, simply because I like having choices. Niko constantly nags me to finish the open packets before I bring in new sweets. However, his insistence on me consuming all my old treats before buying new ones puts unnecessary pressure on me and promotes unhealthy habits.
Personally, I have an obsession with chocolate, which might stem from my struggle with unhealthy eating habits as a teenager. Growing up in the UK, there was immense pressure on young girls to conform to certain beauty standards and watch our diets. When I was in secondary school, teenage boys would bully me and call me fat because I simply loved food, despite never being overweight. I would be the girl during break time, savoring a chocolate muffin.
My love for sweets has always been present, but I had to fight hard to not let others’ opinions affect me when I saw girls around me going on diets. Now, I am obsessed with my chocolate, possibly because I had to overcome disordered eating habits as a teenager. Currently, I store all my sweets in a tall cupboard that requires standing on a chair to reach, so if Niko finds them, it’s his own doing. Considering he has strong willpower, I don’t understand why he always blames me when he indulges in my chocolate.
The Defense: Niko
I do eat Lucy’s chocolate, but there’s always so much of it lying around, and it would go bad if not consumed. Frankly, I don’t like having an excess of snacks in the house; I prefer focusing on meals. Unfortunately, Lucy is fixated on her chocolate stash.
If you place chocolate in front of me when I’m ravenous, I will inevitably eat it, even though I would prefer something healthier. Lucy believes I have incredible self-control, but when I’m alone, I give in to temptation. I recall once devouring an entire tub of Marks & Spencer chocolate cornflake bites at work. I wouldn’t do that in front of her.
Lucy’s worst habit is bringing in new chocolate before finishing the previous batch. When I see something that has been in our cupboard for ages and looks unappetizing, I feel compelled to finish it. It’s more of an economical decision for me. Sometimes she claims she was saving it for a specific occasion, but I don’t believe her – she simply forgets it’s there.
While I admit to guilt regarding the Happy Hippos incident, I thought to myself, “I won’t replace them because we have so much chocolate in the house.” As for the Italian biscuits, we were going to Italy two weeks later, where she could easily purchase more. Additionally, these biscuits hold emotional significance for me, being Italian and having enjoyed them throughout my life.
I can currently see two chocolate bars on Lucy’s desk. Anything wafer-based or crunchy weakens my resolve. Therefore, I’d appreciate it if Lucy introduced more savory snacks into the household and completely gave up chocolate.
The Jury of Guardian Readers:
Should Niko lay off Lucy’s snacks?
Lucy has worked hard to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with food. Niko should respect that and take accountability for his own choices and behaviors. Trying to control Lucy’s purchases or eating habits will only lead to more issues. Lay off, Niko! – Joanne, 53
Who could find Niko innocent? He openly admits to devouring Lucy’s snacks. Both individuals seem to have their own problems when it comes to snacks and what they represent. While Niko shouldn’t ask Lucy to restrict her eating, she should acknowledge the temptation and mess it causes him. Mutual compromise and honest discussions are necessary – and perhaps a lockable box. – Claire-Michelle, 38
This story is riddled with red flags for their relationship. Niko is rude, controlling, selfish, and greedy. Lucy, keep your chocolate and dump the man! – Lana, 43
Niko’s argument about having an emotional attachment to Italian biscuits is particularly low. He needs to stop exerting control and let Lucy enjoy her snacks. – Dan, 64
It seems like Niko pressures Lucy into eating more than she desires to remove the snacks from his sight. Niko, exercise some self-control or loosen up and enjoy food guilt-free. – Gabriel, 23
Now it’s your turn to be the judge:
In our online poll below, should Niko lay off Lucy’s snacks?
The poll closes at 10am BST on Thursday, September 21.
Last week’s result: Should Fred offer his brother more financial help?
85% of respondents said yes – Fred is guilty.
15% of respondents said no – Fred is innocent.
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