Living with a Roommate
So you’ve got yourself a roommate, now comes the good stuff, LIVING TOGETHER. No matter how long you looked for him/her and no matter how perfect you think he or she is, be prepared for the first knock-down-drag-out argument, because it WILL happen. As with any relationship, there are ups and downs, and although you aren’t married, this is a commitment (for at least as long as the term of your lease). Whether this is your first or fortieth time with a roommate, your personal time is precious and the least amount of confrontation, the better. We’ve pulled together some easy tips, for getting along with your roommate and working through issues. Hey, if they work with your roommate, they might even worth with your parents, siblings, significan other or even your boss!
Communicate. Discuss. Agree.
- Most arguments usually get big and nasty when one person does something that upsets the other person and the other person never brings it up until it just drives them completely crazy and they explode in a complete fit of rage and anger… Don’t let it get that far! The most important thing, in any relationship, is to have good communication skills. Talk things out before a situation gets out of control. Most often, there will be a simple solution to your problem, like agreeing to put the cap back on the toothpaste. Deal with problems, openly, honestly and immediately.
- Make sure that you agree on how the monthly bills will be broken out and how and when they will be paid. Be honest with your roommate and discuss how often you use certain things. If you never watch television and prefer candlelight while your roommate has the set on 24/7 and runs every electrical appliance in the house, it doesn’t make sense for you to bear the brunt of the electricity bill. Also make sure you both know and agree to who will be responsible for writing the checks and getting them in the mail.
- Agree upon who will shop for the groceries and when the shopping trips will take place. Will one of you do all the shopping or will you trade responsibility? Or, will you each do your own shopping? If the later is the case, make sure you know what food belongs to whom. Discuss any food allergies or special diets that either of you may have.
- Make sure to be upfront and honest with any peculiar habits or fears that you have. It would be a very difficult situation if your roommate came home one day with his new pet tarantula and you never mentioned that you had a deathly fear of spiders.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about the little things. Whether it be which way the toilet paper goes on the roll or how the utensils fit in the drawer, the little things sometimes have a way of turning into big things if you’re not careful. Don’t worry about sounding petty, and if you think you do, just start the conversation like this: “Sorry, I don’t want to sound petty, but in the mornings I’m kinda sleepy and when you don’t put your toothbrush in the same slot all the time, sometimes I grab yours instead of mine, and that’s kinda gross.”
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