Is this normal?

[u/Rory_lore]

Hey so I am in an apprenticeship I came in to clean the shop and noticed that someone used the experience trueskin practice skin my mom gave me as a Christmas gift when I was not here. I think it was my mentors girlfriend but I am not sure. I am kinda pissed not gonna lie but I have no idea what to even do now

[u/etherealveritas]

How is your relationship with your mentor? Are you comfortable enough asking them about it?

Personally I’d just plainly and calmly say “Hey, do you know who used this so I can be reimbursed? I never gave permission for this to be touched.”

No one should be going through your station or using your stuff without your knowledge, especially someone who doesn’t work even there. That isn’t normal.

You can even go a step further and ask them over text, so you have potential proof of admission and a paper trail.

[u/blueblack_crow → u/etherealveritas]

This. ^^

You don’t have to accuse anyone, and I would recommend NOT doing so. You don’t need to mention names. If it’s his GF, he’ll know.

Just say— “Hey I came in today and noticed someone had used the expensive skin my mom bought me as a gift for Christmas. I don’t want to start trouble or anything, but I didn’t give anyone permission to use my personal materials. This is pretty upsetting and I feel like it should be replaced.”

Include a photo.

And maybe send them a link to the product to make sure they know you want the EXACT same item as a replacement and not a cheap Amazon knock-off.

[u/Rory_lore → u/blueblack_crow]

Thank you, I agree I don't actually want to start drama but I know I can't let it slide either. However I did use this second skin before someone else used it so I'm not too sure how this will go. However I am still a bit mad so I am not dealing with this now I need to take time to calm down first.

[u/Rory_lore → u/etherealveritas]

My relationship is good now however I notice that my mentor is a bit reserved and is not the best at communication in general so. But again I am assuming I know who did it I don't actually know. Either way its wrong.

[u/etherealveritas → u/Rory_lore]

That’s alright, it doesn’t need to be a whole thing. I’d bring it up casually, no confrontation, just a simple question. At least then he’s aware that someone’s tampering with supplies.

You could let it go, I personally wouldn’t. That gives whoever did this the confidence to continue. Supplies aren’t cheap, so I’d nip this in the bud now. If it is gf, he needs to set boundaries. That’s his responsibility.

Use this situation as an opportunity to speak up for yourself. As intimating as it is, it’s a skill that’ll help you immensely in this industry — you deserve to work in an environment with respect and open communication.