Coworker refuses to give guy $1 for the office vending machine after guy spent thousands driving them to work for 2 years: 'I’ve probably spent well over $1,500 in gas over the past 2 years for [them]''

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Mar 13, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

Favors need reciprocation, never in complete equity, as no two exchanges or circumstances are going to be the same. But in spirit. It's not even about the act of the reciprocation either, it's more about the fact that you are capable of thinking of others outside of yourself, recognizing the things they have done for you, experiencing the gratitude and mirroring it back. It sounds complicated but it's actually really simple if you remain open and aware of the things other people are going out of their way to do for you.

But don't expect everyone to understand this, there are many out there who will take the favor without ever thinking, and this extends to all forms of giving and reciprocation in relationships. If you've ever been locked into a relationship with someone who is completely incapable of reciprocating you'll know exactly what this is like.

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement

  • There's a reason a lot of people are closed off towards their coworkers, the sterile corporate (or pseudo-corporate) environment does not lend itself to vulnerability. And just when you think you've been getting friendly with someone, you know, because you've been driving them to and from work for two years, they go and say something like this.

    Personally, I'd never drive this guy anywhere ever again. It's not about the dollar or any amount of money, it's about the act of reciprocity and going out of your way to do a good act for someone else.

  • 01
    10.50 3 0.80 2.80 0.80 6 1.20 1,40
    via Agustin Farias
  • 02
    I usually give my co-worker a ride on the way back from work, usually driving 5 miles out of my way per day to drop him off at his place because he doesn't have a car. I've been doing that for about two years now and haven't asked for anything, and he has never offered.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 03
    Yesterday, I was at the vending machine and wanted a soda. I was short a dollar and had left my wallet in my car. I would usually go get my wallet, but it takes forever to wait for the elevators at my workplace, so I asked if he could spot me a dollar for the soda. He straight up refused and said, 'Just use your own money, man. I don't really give money to friends or co-workers, sorry!
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 04
    I was taken aback by that comment because I've probably spent well over $1,500 in gas over the past two years. for this guy, and he can't even spot me a dollar just this once? I got pretty upset by that, and once it hit 5, I told him I'm not giving him free rides anymore. He seemed upset and said I was petty. AITA?
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 05
    OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a hole: This came off as rather petty and I admit that. Public transit is non existent and he's a lower level employee who can't afford a car, but I don't see that as my problem anymore.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 06
    E
    via Agustin Farias
  • 07
    Uldregirne NTAH, You asked him for a small favour and he refused and shamed you. You have no obligation to keep offering him a ride. Though, you should know that this will drastically deteriorate your relationship and they will make a big deal of it.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 08
    Prestigious_Card16 NTA. I wouldn't even call it petty in my humble opinion. The co- worker doesn't believe in involving money with friends (not a terrible idea) but completely ignores all the money you've spent on them over time. I would imagine, even if they originally were, they are no longer appreciative of the rides and moreso expect them. I think it would be best to no longer give rides as a favor and charge full value if you want to continue giving them. They've made it clear they would no
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 09
    Side note: My brother used to be a server at a restaurant and gave a dishwasher a ride home for weeks. He never asked for anything but did it just to help out. He only stopped after he watched that dishwasher take money off his table while bussing it. Good deeds are great, but always be mindful of your surroundings. Sometimes the cookie just isn't enough for the mouse.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 10
    Slaator NTA—and not petty, either. You just woke up, is all. This is simply not the kind of person to whom one donates $1,500 in gas and Lord-only-knows how much additional drive time over a 2-yr period. You can choose to tell him, in explanation for why he is now cut off, "You're right-good policy. I should never have spotted you that $1,500 in gas, and I should totally have charged you for my time during each 5- mile detour."
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 11
    Or you can tell him the truth: "You're not the sort of person who deserves the sort of Act of Kindness from which you have been benefitting for the last two frickin' YEARS."
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 12
    lamIrene 'Just use your own money, man. I don't really give money to friends or co-workers, sorry! Oh. Well isn't that an interesting response from someone you've literally been helping for the last two years.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 13
    He seemed upset and said I was petty. You were. But then so was he. Who wouldn't spot a buck to someone who has been giving them free rides? For TWO YEARS! NTA but you were petty. I don't necessarily think these two things are incompatible. You basically matched his energy. He can choose to not give money, 100% his right. You can choose to stop giving him free rides. 100% your right.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 14
    Comfort_Not_Speed_50 1d ago . If I had a spare dollar on me and a complete stranger asked me for it I'd give it to them, wrong with him. is I wouldn't call it petty, I'd call it just desserts. NTA
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 15
    catskilkid NTA I realize this is in AITA, but dude really set himself up for /facepalm. He so deserves to have to find an alternative to riding. He clearly showed he does not value your kindness or assistance so he's the one that's Petty, Tom Petty.
    via BeginningJoke3830
  • 16
    jeremyism_ab NTA turns out that dollar was pretty expensive for him after all. "I thought about it, and you're absolutely right, so I don't really give free rides to friends or coworkers. I'm sure you understand perfectly, as it fits with your credo."
    via BeginningJoke3830

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

terrible coworkers life in the office workplace stories reddit coworkers office life Office coworker workplace stories
Scroll Down For The Next Article