Although it might seem convenient at the time, hooking up with or dating your housemate is basically a guaranteed shitshow. I once made the mistake of moving in with one of my best friends, who I also happened to be, um, getting intimate with. This led to two weeks of sneaking around, in an attempt to not make our other housemates feel awkward. We eventually came clean and dated for a year...and then had a fiery breakup, resulting in me losing not only a housemate but a good friend.

If you can’t stop fantasizing about your housemate, no shame, we’ve all been there. But before you act on it, take a look at my list of reasons why getting involved with your housemate is a terrible idea.

And I know because I’ve done it.

1. If you stop hooking up, they’ll still be around.

Usually, when you decide to stop hooking up with someone, for whatever reason, you might occasionally run into them at a party and have an awkward two-minute interaction, but then part ways and not have to see them again until the next party. However, if you tell your housemate you want to break it off, guess who you still get to see in the kitchen the next morning while you’re just trying to eat your cereal? And the morning after that? And the morning after that?

2. It will make it impossibly awkward if either of you brings anyone else over.

Unless you and your housemate decide to be exclusive - which is not a good idea - you’ll both inevitably have other people over, and that will just be awkward for everyone involved. Especially if one of you catches feelings. Imagine how you’ll feel if you wake up one morning and see someone else sneak out of your housemate’s room. There’s nothing like jealousy to create tension in a household.

3. You’ll never be able to relax in your own damn house.

Your house is supposed to be where to go to chill out after a long day in class and at work. If you’re home and constantly having to worry if you look good, wonder when you and your housemates can sneak off again, or freak out about whether or not your other housemates suspect anything, then where are you supposed to be able to relax?

Whenever you catch yourself thinking about your housemate again, read this list, remind yourself not to s*it where you eat...and wait until the lease is up. :)