How to be a good roommate: 12 steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Have you ever had to share a house with a stranger or friend and find that you can't live together? Living with other people can be difficult, especially if the people in question have different backgrounds and lifestyles. Many people sooner or later have to deal with the challenge of a roommate. The following is a list of suggestions to help you live together in harmony.

Steps

Step 1. Find a good roommate

It may be tempting to choose a roommate based on sympathy, but you'd better consider their lifestyle compatibility first. Compare his daily habits to yours:

• Do you have any previous experiences of living together?

  

• Do you have enough money to pay the rent?

  

• Do you wake up early or go to bed late?

  

• What temperature do you find most pleasant?

  

• How much time do you spend in front of the TV?

  

• What level of noise does this person tolerate / prefer?

  

• What are your religious and political views? Are you tolerant of people of different orientations?

  

• Is he a punctual person?

  

• What are your favorite household chores?

  

• Does he talk about his feelings?

  

• Is it very sensitive to odors? This could affect your choice of household cleaning products and means you will need to be careful not to leave the shoes you went to the gym in lying around.

  

• Are you allergic to anything?

  

• Is he a neat person? What importance do you give to washing dishes or taking out the trash?

  

• Do you smoke or use drugs?

  

• What kind of personality do you have, extroverted or introverted?

  

• Are you interested in furniture? If so, which style do you prefer?

  

• What TV programs and music do you prefer?

  

Step 2. Make your expectations clear right away

Set boundaries and respect them. This includes food, clothing, personal effects, noisy activities, use of common areas, parties, relaxing hours, house cleaning, and so on.

Step 3. Respect your roommate's privacy and personal space

This is very important if you share a small house. Make clear distinctions between your belongings and those of your roommate. This way you will only be responsible for your own things. Always ask before borrowing anything, even if it's a small one. Take care of the items you use on loan.

Step 4. Always fulfill your responsibilities

If you are in charge of cleaning the kitchen, if you have to pay your share of utility bills or rent, or if you need to call the owner for a repair, do so ASAP.

Step 5. Prepare to compromise

Not everyone has the same ideas on how to live. You can't ask your roommate to change your lifestyle if you're not willing to change yours.

Step 6. Always clean after dirtying

It doesn't mean you have to become a clean freak, but don't leave your dirty dishes in the sink for days, don't litter your living room or bedroom, especially if you share these areas with your roommate. Agree on a minimum standard of cleanliness and stick to it.

Step 7. Respect your roommate's sleep

If you like to go to bed late, don't make any noise and turn off the lights after your roommate has gone to sleep to avoid disturbing him. If you go to bed early, don't be too mad about your roommate's schedule, but at the same time find solutions for undisturbed sleep. The same tips apply to the morning hours.

Step 8. Spend time with your roommate

Always greet him, ask him how his day was and show interest in his life. Getting to know the person you live with will help you understand their point of view, and vice versa. If you are on friendly terms, it will also be easier to resolve any problems that may arise. Find a time when you can do something together, at least once a week. Have dinner together, watch a movie, etc. Do something nice for your roommate from time to time - make his bed, bake him some cookies or give him a lift if he doesn't have a car.

Step 9. Learn to be flexible

Try to understand what happens in your roommate's life and react accordingly. If he has an important exam to take, make less noise and let him study. If he is stressed or busy, give him some space to relax. Don't you want him to do the same to you?

Step 10. Communicate

As in any relationship, living with someone is not easy. Communication is the key to making a relationship last for a long time. If a problem arises, better talk about it right away and don't try to ignore it until it gets bigger. If you cannot communicate and there is always a tense atmosphere between you, change roommates. Don't stress yourself out. Also, your friendship may improve if you choose to live apart.

Step 11. Share

Decide what to share. Decide which refrigerator contents to share and which should not be touched. Decide if one phone line is enough. If you borrow something, always tell your roommate.

Step 12. Divide the responsibilities:

if your roommate can cook well and you don't, let him do it and offer to wash the dishes. It may be a good idea to create a to-do schedule so that you can do the various tasks you need in shifts.

Advice

• Some people find it a good idea to create a written agreement to sign, in which the rules that all roommates will have to comply with will be written. In this way all possible doubts will be clarified.
• Always try not to make too much noise. Listen to music on headphones and get away if you have to talk on the phone. If you're about to embark on a noisy business, ask your roommate first if it's a good time.
• Invite your roommate to go out with your company of friends.
• Don't impose too strict rules. It's not worth blaming too much for dirty glass. A broken plate is not a good reason to ruin a friendship.
• When you live with someone, your relationship must first be a contract and then a friendship. When you rent or share a house, or are the owner, always remember that your roommate needs a place to live just as you need their money to split the rent or mortgage payment. If any of these conditions are lacking, your agreement must terminate. If you find a better roommate, ask him to come and live with you. If you don't like where you live, end the contract and find another place to stay.

Warnings

• Try to be accommodating and flexible, but don't let your roommate take advantage of your goodwill. Assert your rights.
• Don't be too critical.
• Don't yell at your roommate. If he's your friend, you could ruin your friendship. Remember that not all people love you unconditionally and will not react kindly to your outbursts.
• Remember, not everyone is meant to live together, regardless of the friendship that binds them.
• Lend your money with caution. Small amounts may be fine, but never trust too much.