It seems like this time of the year, tensions start running high. With school now in full swing, and increasingly getting more difficult with each class, and the holidays soon coming up, it always feels like these next few months leave everyone just slightly more on edge than they usually are. For my roommates and I, combine that with everyones' hectic schedules, and it's just a mush of anger towards everyone in sight. Lately, we seem to be getting on each others nerves more. As much as I hate that we aren't all happy and giggly with each other all the time, I know that this is just a period we have to go through because we're living together. With that being said, I thought it would be great to research and share some advice for when you and your friends just don't see eye to eye.
1. Don't ever get into the habit of talking smack behind their back.
This one is hard for everyone to do I think. It's human nature to gossip. We want to talk to other people about what someone else has done. We have these sort of talks all the time in our apartment, but you should never talk about a friend behind their back. That is just begging to be smacked in the jaw if they ever find out.
2. Allow for cool off periods.
I firmly believe in this rule. No one wants to be hounded to the point of screaming in frustration and regretting what they say later. For me, if I get mad, I know I'm bound to say something I didn't really mean. So if things start getting heated between you and your friends, take a few hours (or even a few days) for yourself.
3. Know and admit when you are wrong and APOLOGIZE.
We as humans can be stubborn. Extremely stubborn. It's always hard to admit when you've done wrong or said something that shouldn't have been said. No one likes to turn back on what they said and admit defeat. But before you stubbornly commit to being right, ask yourself, is loosing this friend really worth being right one time?
4. Agree to take a break from the argument and do something fun!
Don't just yell at each other until you pass out, that's never good. If you feel arguments are about to happen, suggest that you guys take a break and do something to get your minds off of it, like shopping or watching a movie. Most of the time, you'll look back on it and won't even remember why you were mad in the first place.
5. Understand that your friendship is worth more than a stupid fight.
My roommates and I have been friends for years. Moving in and going to college together was the most exciting thing any of us had decided. But you soon learn that your upbringings were so different, that you clash on some things. But life is too short to stay mad and upset at things that are so trivial. Sure, there are times when life gets in the way and it just feels like everyone is against you. But best friends are considered the best for a reason. No matter what we face, it only makes us stronger and closer than we've ever been. And there is no one else I'd rather be going on this crazy journey with.
