It may seem like any other fridge but a closer look at a mum’s weekly essentials reveals a ‘sad’ reality of her lifestyle.
One ‘concerned’ man shared a picture showing the inside of his sister’s fridge, with 20 plastic water bottles lined perfectly along the top shelf.
The second shelf showed three leftover takeaway meals, while the bottom shelf consisted of two tubs filled with mountains of condiments that she got for free from fast food restaurants.
The crisper drawers were almost empty, with no fruits and vegetables in sight.
‘This is my sister’s fridge. She’s kept the fridge arranged like this for nearly 20 years,’ the man said in a Reddit thread.
The brother said he couldn’t understand why his sister’s fridge had no fresh ingredients, especially after growing up with a dad who worked in the food industry.
‘Our dad retired from 20 years in the navy as a cook and after his service, he worked in restaurants as a general manager. Our fridge and freezer were always packed,’ he explained.
‘As an adult, my fridge is similarly always packed. My sister, on the other hand, is the opposite. This is her fridge. I don’t understand how a person lives like this.
It may seem like any other fridge but a closer look at a mum’s weekly essentials reveals a ‘sad’ reality of her lifestyle
‘Her son came home once and wanted to put a takeout plate on the water bottle shelf. She said, “There’s no space in the fridge for that.”‘
He said his sister’s diet typically consists of meals from restaurants and drive-thrus.
‘I love her because she’s my sister and because of our shared past, but I don’t like her as a person. She’s unpleasant to be around,’ he explained.
‘I’m curious to hear everyone’s insight.’
His post was met with more than 1,400 comments, with many divided over the contents of the woman’s fridge.
‘This is the spookiest fridge I have ever seen,’ one said.
‘Neatest fridge I’ve ever seen,’ another suggested.
‘Water bottles are practicing social distancing,’ one joked.
Many suggested that keeping large amounts of condiments could be a sign of OCD or a hoarding disorder, a mental health condition.
‘Taking the little sauces and stuff and keeping them can also be a compulsive behaviour. My grandmother had OCD and hoarded. She would take all the condiments off the table and ask for more. I would always stop her from going to other tables because some restaurants would get upset about it,’ one shared.
‘OCD most likely. It is manageable. Is the fridge hurting anyone? No. Is it hurting her wallet? Probably. Hope she’s getting help,’ another said.
‘This is the weirdest combination of minimalist and hoarder possible,’ one added.
Some said their fridges were similar to the mum’s, but only because they like to shop with the intention of eating items the same day.
‘This is likely what my fridge would look like if I didn’t have a husband,’ one said.
‘I don’t mind going to the grocery multiple times a week because I never really know what I want to eat until I want it. And a lot of my ingredients are frozen to make them last longer.’
Some took particular issue with the woman for drinking out of disposable plastic bottles, with many urging her to invest in a water filter.
‘She should really look into a water filter, especially if she’s not even recycling or reusing the bottles,’ one said.
However, some were more understanding of the woman’s situation.
‘A bit of devils advocate here, but… salads and veggies are available at restaurants, no? Plenty of vegetarian options, even restaurants that focus on just that, and it’s possible to eat a fairly balanced diet eating out,’ one said.
‘Not saying this particular person does, but I know people who eat well without ever cooking at home.’
Another added: ‘We love a hydrated queen.’
‘It’s kind of genius in my opinion. As in the fridge only contains what you should be having for the day. Great way not to overeat,’ one suggested.
