Headed into and while being in college, everyone tells you not to live with your best friend. We have all heard the horror stories about best friends that decide to live together and cannot seem to stand one another by the time their lease is up. BUT, I am here to testify to the fact that living with my life-long bestie has been one of the best experiences ever. So here are 9 ways that my best pal and I have made it work.

1. We know everything about each other

Knowing my roommate/best friend, Shelby, like the back of my hand has truly been one of the major keys to living together successfully. I know everything from her favorite snacks to her major life experiences, and I think it helps so much.

2. We grew up together

When I say this girl is my life-long best friend, I am not exaggerating. Shelby and I grew up together (peep us walking into preschool together). Because of this, we have very similar lifestyles. Being on the same page as someone about random, little details can make a big difference.

3. We are from the same small town...and neighborhood

Talk about convenient. We can carpool home from Purdue together if we ever need to. Or, if I happen to be home and Shelby isn't, I can easily swing by her house and pick anything up that she needs me to.

4. We are upfront with each other

Shel by and I don't disagree on much, but if we ever do, we don't have a problem with being upfront with one another. This is SO important. If her and I were to not be open about something bothering or annoying us, things would most certainly build up over time, and that's just never good for any party involved. Clearly, I needed someone to be upfront with my about my outfit back in the day...

5. We don't spend every waking moment together

Part of the reason as to why I think Shelby and I get along so well is that we have very different schedules and interests. Because of this, we don't spend 24/7 together. Time apart from anybody is healthy and will make you appreciate your time with them even more.

6. We Take Turns Paying For Things 

No one likes a mooch, and part of being upfront with one another means taking turns paying for things. Whether we alternate buying McDonalds or cleaning supplies, we keep things even which helps avoid any arguments.

7. We genuinely care about what is going on with the other

She might be my roommate, but she's also my best friend. I care about her well-being, whether or not she is happy, and everything along those lines. If I were living with someone I barely knew or wasn't close to, I might not make quite as much of an effort to make things work.

8. We each have our own spaces

This is crucial. Everyone needs their alone time and to feel like they have a place of their own. Obviously, we each have our own bedrooms. We have each "claimed" a couch in the living room. We also have drawers and shelves that we keep specifically as our own which I think is helpful as well.

9. We still make time to hangout

Last, but not least, we still make time to either sit on the couch and watch movies or go to TJMaxx on a Friday afternoon just as we did before we lived together. Friendships don't have to change just because you become roommates.

It may not be the case for everyone, but I am proud to say that living with my best friend has seemed to only make us closer than we were before. If you go into the situation on the same page as your pal, you too can have a positive living experience and maybe one of the best ones you've ever had.