The new school year has just begun and everyone is settling into their dorms and apartments with new, old, and returning roommates. As the school year continues there is inevitably going to be things about your roommate that annoy you. There's also going to be some things that annoy your roommate about you. So here are a few things you can do to help minimize the issues and be a better roommate.
Being Friends Doesn't Excuse You From Being Considerate
This one seems self explanatory but there is a reason your mom and dad encouraged you NOT to live with your high school BFF. Sometimes living with a friend is great and sometimes it isn't. It can be really nice to have someone you know is on your side and not have to share a living space with someone you met five minutes ago. But when it isn't good, it's usually because living with a friend makes you more comfortable and overall less considerate.
You assume that since you're friends they'll be okay with you leaving your dishes in the sink for three weeks because they know how you are. Wrong. Being friends with your roommate does not give you a free pass to be inconsiderate. Show your friend the same courtesy that would to a complete stranger and avoid those dramatic 2 am arguments with your best friend because you haven't taken out the trash in a month.
You Don't Have To Be Best Friends
This is something that is said a lot but it's only because it's so true. You and your roomie don't have to spend every free second together, you don't have to eat together, and you don't even have to like them. Living with someone isn't necessarily about finding a new best friend. You can live in peace with somebody who maybe you won't speak to again after you move out. Just be kind and courteous regardless of how close you two become.
Do Nice Things For Them, Even If You Aren't BFFs
This one may seem a little odd but let me explain. If you know you're roommate had a terrible day and she promised to do the dishes when she got home, just go ahead and do them if you can. They'll return the favor some day when you're the one who had a rough day and forgot to do your share of the chores. Doing something small for someone else can turn their entire day around and prevent countless arguments.
Don't Nitpick About Money
If you're one of those people who asks your roommate to pay you back for the 10 cent scantron you gave them when they were in a pinch, stop it. It's kind of a jerk move and it's petty. If it's less than $5 and it only happens every so often, then there's no need for you to hit them with a venmo charge. Plus, it evens out in the end because nine times out of ten, if you're helping someone else out, they're gonna help you out when you need it too.
Don't Be Offended When You're Roommate Asks You To Do Something You Should Be Doing Anyway
Do not get your underwear in a bunch just because your roommate asked you to sweep because it's your turn and you forgot. Just apologize and then do it. It's not that serious, I promise. They're not asking you to do it to be petty. They just want the floor swept and they want you to pull your weight.
Respect The Fact That Not Everyone Lives Like You
Everyone was raised in a different household and has different habits. You can't expect anyone to immediately adjust to how you live. And if you were raised in a household that kept laundry on the kitchen table, go ahead and expect that you probably shouldn't retain that habit when you live with someone else. The same is true if you were raised in a household that used bleach as an all purpose cleaner. Everyone grew up differently and has different habits, go ahead and expect it and be considerate of that.
Don't Expect Perfection
Lastly, do not expect perfection. Everybody has bad days and everybody forgets things sometimes. Don't hoard wrong doings and use them against your roommate. Just chill out a bit and remember sometimes being an adult and being on your own is about learning to let stuff go in order to keep the peace.
Being a good roommate (even if your roommate isn't) will benefit you in the long run. Most people will return the favor and if they don't, at least you'll know you did the right thing. Basically, be kind, be courteous, and be considerate.
