College puts you through many different weird living situations. All your life you are told to not talk to strangers, yet all of a sudden, you're living with a complete stranger. This situation can go either really well, or absolutely horrendous. Now when you are in that great situation, things go smoothly with the occasional bump in the road, where you just need to talk it out. As somebody who is currently going through that tough situation, I have some advice if you are also in my shoes.
So here is how you survive living with that impossible roommate.
1. Remain patient
There are so many times when you have to hold your tongue when your roommate does something or says something that you do not agree with. There are many different times when you have to step back out of the situation and breath. Not everything is a battle you need to pick, so remain patient. Patience really is a virtue.
2. Create boundaries
Talk about what you can and cannot share as roommates. Whether it be groceries, or personal life, creating the boundaries of what and what not do is important to maintain the peace within your living quarters. Write it out, and have both people sign it, so it is written proof.
3. Do not talk to them unless it is strictly about stuff dealing with your room/apartment
There is no need to be talking to somebody you do not get along with, or might not even like. Do not put yourself in a situation you know you don't want to be in.
4. Do not be petty and/or passive-aggressive
This is gonna cause more issues than anything. You will cause more of an impact by ignoring the drama, and not letting your roommate have the reaction they want, makes them angrier. So trust me, do not feed into the drama with more drama.
5. Do not remain in your room/apartment at all times of the day
Get out. Honestly, you are not gonna be happy if you are always there. Go somewhere you want to be, and where you are happy. Being in a tense situation all the time will make matters worse.
6. Stand up for yourself, and any other roommates you may have
If you know for a fact you are being unfairly treated and accused of whatever, stand up for yourself. The same goes for if you see any other roommates being mistreated. Stand up for what you know is right.
7. Know when to walk away
Whether it be moving out, or distancing yourself from that person. You cannot win every battle, and you cannot expect to. There are times when you need to count your losses, and just move on to what is better for you. This sucks, but you gotta do it sometimes.
