One of the things I was worried about when I thought about coming to the Naval Academy was potentially getting a roommate I would have absolutely nothing in common with. As fate would have it, I was randomly placed with girl, who, for anonymity's sake we'll call Rachel. Rachel and I come from completely different parts of the country, and if we weren't put through the experiences we had over Plebe Summer with each other to lie on for support, she would probably drive me up the walls. (She does that already, but every minute is completely worth that weird friendship-thing we have going.) Here are some things you might recognize if you live with someone who is the complete opposite of you:
1. Some of the things that are most central to their life at home are also things you've never heard of.
Before meeting Rachel, I would have assumed that Lilly Pulitzer was somehow tied to the Pulitzer Prize, cheer wine was just a happier version of Merlot and Bojangles was a circus. Needless to say, I have been corrected.
2. There are constant arguments and debates (most of which get heated very quickly).
This is especially true of all the Type A personalities at the Naval Academy. With different climates back home, it's easy to see why there's constant bickering and debating between me and Rachel. Anything political tends to lead to discussions with raised voices and quick jabs to the arguments of the other party. In the end, there's never a clear winner (though in our heads we think we've won).
3. You'll feel like you start to know two different people in the same body.
Because the Naval Academy places a lot of importance on becoming a unit as a Brigade and fitting into the grand scheme of the things, the people we think we know in uniform can be completely different behind closed doors (in the best way possible). Each of us is a little different with a whole lot of quirks. They might be masked by a bun or pressed uniform, but they're always shining underneath.
4. Making fun of each other for the smallest things.
Like siblings, you'll always find something to use to torment each other. In my case, its a rather large stockpile of embarrassing pictures and videos of Rachel. I promise I will take mental notes on anything that I can use to make fun of her later. You'll probably also be extra sensitive to those weird, eccentric things they do.
5. Finding odd things in common. Because none of the common bonds seem to work.
When all else fails, you'll see common bonds in the most peculiar places. From background to political beliefs, Rachel and I have little to nothing in common. However, we are both adamant fans of the Packers and would definitely enjoy eating massive amounts of ice cream together.
6. Slowly recognizing their patterns and behaviors, when you used to be completely clueless.
From the way they look for something (like an earplug, in Rachel's case) to the way they act on a rough day, you can start to pick up the clues. Getting to know them was a challenge and you had little to no idea what was going on most of the time, but after a little while, you'd cautiously call yourself an expert.
7. Finding yourself questioning how you were before.
Because you've lived with them for so long, you're so in tune with their routines that it can be hard to imagine what you were like before you ever met them. At the Academy, it feels like high school was a lifetime ago, and you've been living with your roommate longer than Monica and Rachel from Friends.
8. Learning you can actually live with them.
There were, and are, things they do that confuse or frustrate you. But you know that you can live with, and even be friends with, that person who you would initially think you could never get along with. But the universe is always full of surprises, and your roommate might be one of the best ones yet.
9. Being thankful for what they've taught you.
From the debates to the shared snacks, there have lots of moments of opposite to opposite bonding. All the little differences might seem to be a staggering ton, but in the end, you know just how great of a pair you make.
"The views expressed , [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”
