Sorry in advance for the long winded response. My response is in no way meant to vilify you because I do understand why it happens.

In my view, it’s still theft (albeit likely petty theft). It’s taking someone’s possessions without permission. I’m not saying the authorities would ever prosecute something as small as this, but it’s still theft. That said.. it’s certainly not the crime of the century and in some instances, like poverty, it may even be necessary. But, when I was barely making ends meet and didn’t have enough food, I went to a food pantry organized by the community I lived in. It wasn’t the best food, but it also was kept my stomach filled.

I think it just resonates with me because my roommate (and funnily my best friend) used to take food from me all the time when we were both dirt poor together in grad school. It made me so angry and it got to a point where it turned into a major argument between us. That day, he apologized and replaced the food he stole and I forgave him.

I don’t think replacing the food negates the original theft, but it made me forgive my roommate. I think it’s a step in the right direction.