It used to happen to us all the time. Then we stopped putting the milk on the door compartment, and set it on the actual shelf at the bottom over the crisper.
Also, check that date - is it really an "expiration" date or does it say "best by" or "best before?" They mean different things. Best before and best buy don't mean that they're not drinkable after that date. They just mean that the freshness is optimal before that date.
Once it's opened, you have around 7 days to consume it before it starts to go sour, no matter when you purchased it or how much later that date says "best by/before."
The more fat in the product, the longer it'll last. Half-and-half will be consumable longer than skim milk. Heavy whipping cream will be consumable longer than half-and-half. Butter can actually last indefinitely, if refrigerated. Though the butterfat will separate and form a sort of fatty shell around the stick. It's still good, will still bake properly, and is still fine to put on your toast.
If you keep your house somewhat cool (78° or lower) you don't even have to put the stick of butter in the fridge. You can leave it in the butter dish on your counter.
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