We don’t always get to choose who we live with. Whether it is a dorm situation or the economical need to rent a room to a complete stranger, sometimes we end up with roommates that are overbearing, dirty, or just plain obnoxious. Here are some tips from one who has dealt with her share of roommates from either personal experience or the trials and tribulations of others.
The Slob: When you have a roommate who doesn’t clean anything, this can cause some serious tension within the shared space. Most people prefer living in clean environments, and if this is the case with you but not your roommate, there might be a problem in the making.
—My Advice: Talk things out. Set up a cleaning schedule and try and hold the other person to it. Try to compromise in terms of what absolutely needs cleaning and what can stay messy (i.e. toilet vs room)
The Party Animal: One of the worst cases of a party animal roommate was experienced by a friend of mine. My friend left the house one night when his roommate asked for a few friends to come over. Before he left he closed the door to his room, put a sign on the door saying, “Do Not Enter”, and informed his roommate that he wanted his room left alone. The next morning he came in and found his door open with the room trashed along with a few inhabitants.
—My Advice: Put a lock on your door that requires a key. If someone then breaks in you can try and charge them with breaking and entering. In addition, have a talk with your roommate about privacy and boundaries. Do what it takes to ensure that you and your things won’t be bothered.
The Ex: Nothing is more frustrating than living with your ex. The stress of combined bills and life is hard enough when you are happily in love, and gets 100 times worse with a breakup. However, it is not always possible to leave the situation and many people get stuck.
—My Advice: Move out ASAP. If this is not doable, take the following precautions. Separate your bills so that you are legally responsible for one half and your ex is responsible for the other (i.e. separate cell phone plans). Take anything of value that you paid for and is rightfully yours (gifts you paid for are theirs) and get it out of the house.
There is no guaranteed way to make an unbearable living situation perfect, but if you use basic problem solving tools, any roommate situation has potential to improve. If all else fails…get another roommate!
Photo Courtesy of: HistoryTwistofLime
