My previous living situations have not been the best. Now I share an apartment with three other amazing women and am so grateful for the things I've learned through this experience. I have discovered more about myself and how to understand other people's differences better. These are just some of the fundamentals that I have learned in the past few months that really helped us all live happily together.
1. Everyone has their differences.
It is completely acceptable for people to live a different way than you do. It can be hard to remember that people grew up and do things differently. So, the way you organize your plates and bowls could be opposite of how your roommate does, and that is OK.
2. You will learn to compromise.
If there is one thing I have learned the most through my experience living with roommates is that there will be many compromises. There is no way out of it. Don't think of it as a negative, think of it as a chance to get to understand your roommates better.
3. You will love coming home.
If you're anything like me and have had bad experiences in previous living arrangements, then you will truly appreciate the arrangement you're in now. This is not just a temporary fix, it is your home.
4. You will learn you have more in common than you thought.
One night you will just be sitting on your couch watching your favorite show and your roommate will come out and you'll realize you both have more in common than you originally thought. It could be that you both love the same show which leads to even more topics you both relate to. Or, it could just be that you have similar personalities, but just roll with it.
5. You will bond over holiday decorations.
Once you all put that personal touch in your house it won't feel like a college apartment. Decorate your Christmas tree together and celebrate your home.
6. Small things become big things.
When you live with other people there is no way to hide all your moods. They see when you have no money or when you've had a bad day. The usual escape of going home so no one sees isn't possible anymore because they're home with you. When you come home after a long day and your roommate offers you some of the dinner she's cooked, it feels like someone has just handed you a hundred bucks.
7. Respect each other's privacy.
Clashing heads and slight tension are normal sometimes. It is important to remember that each of you has your own private space. While everyone shares the same home, it is important to respect other people's privacy.
8. You will appreciate everything your parents used to do.
Laundry, dishes, sweeping, and buying grocery's are all your own responsibility now. It sucks but it's just part of the road to adulthood. When you come home and look in your fridge for food to realize you need to go grocery shopping you will think to yourself, "Wow, Mom I really wish you were here to do this." But she's not!
9. You will find life-long friends.
The good and hard times in your life will come home with you, meaning you will share these times with your roommates. They will be there for you from morning to night and over time, life-long friendships will form.
