Whether they are your roommate by choice, not by choice, by some freak circumstance, or by pure coincidence, you have found the perfect person to live with temporarily through your college career. You might be best friends, siblings, just friends, or someone who simply acknowledges you exist and say or do no more. Through your roommate experience, hoping you have found a good one, there have been several pros to the odd/amazing/great/weird/simple living arrangement. I know I have gained a sister and a best friend, and not just my roommate, but my suitemates who I consider my roomies as well.
These few but important and meaningful pros are what come with having an amazing roommate. Shout-out to you!
1. Closet Sharing
I got lucky with becoming friends and then roomies with someone my size, so both of our closets are fair game. There is a courtesy of asking before you wear their newly bought piece, but hey, more clothes you didn't have to buy. It's always helpful when you feel your closet is void of anything to wear because surely your roommate has something you've had your eyes on or has a piece you were needing to add to your outfit. Plus, roomies never let each other go out looking like you threw on clothes in a blind, mad rush to get ready. Their opinion, hoping it is fashion savvy, can always be trusted.
2. Food For Two
"What do you want from [enter fast food chain here]?" "I'm going to the store, want food?" "My mom bought us food." "I bought us food." "Want to get food?"
The joy that comes from hearing about food is amazing. Knowing your roommate cares about feeding you is unexplainable. You keep them in mind when you go grocery shopping, you support healthy or unhealthy eating habits, and you share (sometimes). Food is a love language and my roomie speaks it very well.
3. Heart To Hearts
Your roommate will listen to your problems. Boys, girls, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, that weird teacher, and that one classmate, you've heard it all and they have gotten an earful as well. They try to understand you, aim to help you, or they just listen. You talk about your goals, aspirations, problems, values, and opinions, feeling closer each time you get the chance to understand one another. It's always nice to have a listening ear and someone who will help and support you.
4. Surprises
Sometimes you get surprises from your awesome roomie. It can be food, a small gift, a friend outing, good news, or just a simple cleaning of the dorm. There's nothing better than knowing you're on their mind and that they want you to know you're appreciated. If they go out of their way to make your day better, they are a keeper. DON'T forget to say thank you and eventually return the favor. If they're good enough to treat you like that, you should treat them too.
5. Communication
They know what you like and don't like, and you know what they like and don't like and if not, they say so. Communication is key in all relationships, even if you're just rooming together. A big pro is having the communication lines open both ways so conflicts can be either prevented or solved.
6. Laughing Fits
If they get you rolling on the floor, tears streaming, and a six pack coming on they are a definite PRO. There's nothing better than laughing together at yourselves or something ridiculous you found on social media after a hectic day. The time I have needed to laugh, my roomie always pulled through for me. She even helps me laugh at myself, which I find to be important. It's okay to just laugh.
7. Life Lessons
"Reece, you would never believe what happened to me today" is usually what starts off a life lesson from my roomie. They help you learn, you help them learn, you teach them, and they teach you. It all matters on how close you are. These lessons can range from simple lifehacks, what classes not to (or to) take, what not to do (or do) in certain situations, and more. Some may be comical and some may be upsetting, but either way you help each other out.
8. Safe Place
After a tiring, long, exhausting, and draining day, going back to your roommate makes you feel safe. They are there for you, they care about your well-being, and they are your friend you can turn to. They will listen when you need to vent, they will give you time alone, they will give you a hug, and they will do anything for you. You trust them, they trust you, and you don't doubt the trust you have with each other. They're your Person.
So roomie, thanks for being you. Thank you for dealing with me and everything that accompanies living with me. Thank you for everything. I mean it, you're the best.
Love,
Your Roommate
