Q&A for How to Get People to Stop Using Your Stuff

First, talk with your friend about the issue and tell her that she shouldn't sneak into your personal stuff. In the meantime, you probably shouldn't leave this friend alone with your things until you trust her again. If she persists, and you don't feel you can trust her, maybe she's not a good friend to have.

Your mother is being very immature and should not be acting this way. Glasses are an important need and not something to play around with. Talk about this to your school counselor or any other adult you trust. Be sure to tell your mother how you feel as well.

Place signs on your stuff that say "Hands off! *insert name*'s Stuff!". Or just approach your roommates and politely ask them not to use things that belong to you without asking.

Don't worry about it because it's their fault for using your property.

Ask them to please stop using your trampoline. Offer to sell it to them if they want it, but tell them it's not okay to come onto your property and use your things. Have someone else there to back you up.

You may have to go to the lengths of putting it in your car (if you have one), or, if you still have the box it came in, disguise it as something else and put it in there. If you don't have the box, take a few of the vital cords and/or take the batteries out of your controllers so they can't play.

It's unlikely you'll be able to get your sister to stop touching everything, but you could find a good hiding spot for things that are really important to you -- or perhaps ask your parents for a small locker that only you and they have the combination to.

Get a safe and put your most important belongings inside of it.

Try speaking up for yourself. Tell them that it is yours and that you should be able to use it whenever possible. If they continue just try talking to someone else about it.

Isn't that what his Jeep is for - to be driven? If someone has their own perfectly functional car, they don't get to insist on driving someone else's. Tell him this is your car and he doesn't get to take it without your permission. If he keeps taking your car, just take the keys away from him.

When you see them going into your cabinets, you could try interrupting their action and pointing out that you've "already got the snacks on the table/counter/etc." to see if they get the hint. If that doesn't work, you could also try moving anything you don't want them getting into before the event so that there is nothing for them to find. If it still isn't resolved, try talking with them openly, but politely - say that you bought specific snacks for the evening and you'd prefer that they get eaten first. If your guests don't like the menu, say you're open to ideas for next time or consider making the next event a potluck so they can bring their own.

Keep an eye on it at all times, or hide it well when not in use. Also, you may look into getting new friends if your current ones steal from you.

Just say no it is that simple. Say that you don't want to lose your stuff and are not comfortable with sharing those items.

It's fine if they give it back, but you may want to tell them to ask you first. If they do what you say, then everything will be fine.

Say to them that it hurts your feelings and that you prefer them to not to use your stuff unless you allow them too. Tell your parents as well.

Talk to him and ask him not to do it anymore.

Try telling them, very politely, that you don't want them messing with your stuff. If this doesn't work, try putting a "do not touch" or a "private" sign on your belongings and keeping them in a harder-to-find place.

If you have a smaller, younger sister, put your towel somewhere she can't reach it. Otherwise, keep the towel in your room until you need to use it.

Just walk up and say, "Hi, excuse me, but that's my [whatever they're using]." As long as you're polite, there shouldn't be any problems.

Whatever it is, they probably bought it for you, therefore they have a right to get to say who uses it.

Just be polite. Say something like, "I really don't mind you using my things, but I'd appreciate it if you asked first in case it's something that I'm already using or plan to use shortly."

You should have an honest discussion with them, and explain why you do not want them using your things.

Tell your sister those items are for personal use and she is not supposed to use them. About your brother, tell the school director and, if that doesn't work, when you and your brother are at your home, go with him to your parents and tell them the problem.

Yes. The only instance where it would ever be okay to fight someone would be if they attacked you first and you were defending yourself. If someone at school is stealing your stuff, tell a teacher or the principal.

It's still his house, and so is the room you are in. Nonetheless, he is obligated to respect your privacy and must ask for your permission before entering your room. If he breaks stuff on purpose, it's time to find new living arrangements. If it's by accident, work out rules that you both agree with.

Tell a parent so they can handle it. If you can, get a video of your sister doing it so you have proof.

I would be upfront and tell them that you cannot give them any more stationery. You could also hide your stationery or lie and say you ran out.

Buy a cover sheet for your keyboard. You can get them anywhere they sell electronics supplies.

This is not that serious of a problem. You just need to confront your boyfriend's brother and tell him that you do not appreciate him stealing your stuff. If the maids are moving your things, let them know that you would appreciate it if they would just leave it where it is.

If she's new, she might not be fully aware of the situation. It's a professional situation, so stricter rules apply than would in a social situation. First, simply tell her in person, being kind, polite and professional, that it is for your clients only. Perhaps help her find a solution for her clients. Consider putting up a sign to alert visitors what the chair is there for.