Mo's Bin Conundrum: Who Should Take the Blame?
In a split-level maisonette shared with two roommates, Ben and Roisin, a delicate bin situation has developed. The couple, who have known Mo since university, insists that they're not at fault for leaving the bins out too long. However, their argument is being disputed by many Guardian readers.
Mo claims that he's been making an effort to maintain the "unspoken system" with their upstairs neighbours, who put the bins in front of the building before collection day and Mo brings them back in. But when he's away working – often for stretches – Ben and Roisin let the whole system fall apart. They don't bring the bins back in, causing friction with their neighbours.
Mo is adamant that it's not a big deal and that they're not deliberately sabotaging collections. "If I walk past the bins and don't put them back in our garden, it's not deliberate – I'm just preoccupied," he says. Ben, on the other hand, thinks Mo is overreacting.
"Rubbish belongs in the bin, and bins belong in the street. Mo is making a fuss over nothing," Ben claims. However, many readers disagree with him. "We're all busy, but that doesn't mean we're 'too important' to put the bins out," says Louise, 51.
Ben's lack of consideration for their neighbours has been noted by multiple readers. "Taking the bins out doesn't take long enough for working in finance to be a valid excuse," adds Olivia, 21. The bin situation contributes to a peaceful and harmonious relationship with their neighbours, and it seems Ben needs to step up.
So, who's at fault? While Mo makes an effort to maintain the "unspoken system", Ben's lack of consideration for their neighbours has caused problems. Ultimately, it comes down to shared responsibilities in a household. Should they take turns putting out the bins when Mo is away, or would it be fairer if one person took on that task?
As one reader put it: "Living with others means sharing the load even when it's not convenient." In this case, Ben and Roisin need to take responsibility for their actions and find a solution that works for everyone.
In a split-level maisonette shared with two roommates, Ben and Roisin, a delicate bin situation has developed. The couple, who have known Mo since university, insists that they're not at fault for leaving the bins out too long. However, their argument is being disputed by many Guardian readers.
Mo claims that he's been making an effort to maintain the "unspoken system" with their upstairs neighbours, who put the bins in front of the building before collection day and Mo brings them back in. But when he's away working – often for stretches – Ben and Roisin let the whole system fall apart. They don't bring the bins back in, causing friction with their neighbours.
Mo is adamant that it's not a big deal and that they're not deliberately sabotaging collections. "If I walk past the bins and don't put them back in our garden, it's not deliberate – I'm just preoccupied," he says. Ben, on the other hand, thinks Mo is overreacting.
"Rubbish belongs in the bin, and bins belong in the street. Mo is making a fuss over nothing," Ben claims. However, many readers disagree with him. "We're all busy, but that doesn't mean we're 'too important' to put the bins out," says Louise, 51.
Ben's lack of consideration for their neighbours has been noted by multiple readers. "Taking the bins out doesn't take long enough for working in finance to be a valid excuse," adds Olivia, 21. The bin situation contributes to a peaceful and harmonious relationship with their neighbours, and it seems Ben needs to step up.
So, who's at fault? While Mo makes an effort to maintain the "unspoken system", Ben's lack of consideration for their neighbours has caused problems. Ultimately, it comes down to shared responsibilities in a household. Should they take turns putting out the bins when Mo is away, or would it be fairer if one person took on that task?
As one reader put it: "Living with others means sharing the load even when it's not convenient." In this case, Ben and Roisin need to take responsibility for their actions and find a solution that works for everyone.
he knows the system but he's just not makin it happen. it ain't about bein too important or not, it's about bein considerate of others. newsflash: bins belong in the street! and if mo makes an effort to maintain things, ben should at least try to do his part 
like seriously how hard is it to put the bins out on collection day? it's not like he's working in finance or something (lol ben, ouch). i get that mo makes an effort to maintain the "unspoken system" with their neighbours, but ben needs to take some of the burden off him too. sharing the load even when it's not convenient is a total game-changer 
he's just being super selfish and thinks the bins are no big deal? Like, hello they're causing problems with their neighbors! And Mo is making an effort to keep things peaceful, but then Ben comes along and disrupts it. It's not about being "too important" or whatever, it's about showing some basic consideration for those around you 
. Can't we just take turns putting out the bins when Mo is away? It's not that hard, people! And Louise said something really wise too - taking care of our own messes is part of living with others 
. Ben needs to step up and be more considerate, it's time for him to grow up 
.
, but he thinks Mo should do it instead! Ben's excuse is that working in finance takes up his whole day, but... 
. Mo makes an effort to maintain the "unspoken system", which means he's not trying to be selfish. But Ben needs to take responsibility for his actions 
. LIVING WITH OTHERS REALLY DOES MEAN SHARING THE LOAD, EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT CONVENIENT!!!