Before I got to college, I thought dorms would be scary, and that I would never get along with my roommates. But living with people is an interesting experience where you get comfortable enough to just sit in the same room as your roommate in complete silence and not feel awkward. It's hard to explain how it happens -- it just does. Awkwardness is a common stage of meeting someone new/living in a new environment, but it eventually slips away and leaves you feeling content and comfortable enough to eat an entire pint of ice cream while watching Netflix on a Saturday night.
I am not the most social person or the funniest person around, and I'm a pessimist who says negative things about myself in a cheery tone because I don't want people to take me seriously. Sometimes, it's difficult being myself in a group of people, but when I come back to my room after a long day, I don't feel like I need to put up some kind of facade.
In all honesty, it's all thanks to my roommates. Each of them has different qualities, but they are all good listeners, hard workers, and people who encourage me to do well. They don't replace my family, but they are similar to my family in some ways. They say goodbye to me when I'm leaving the room, tell me to have a good day, and even offer to buy me snacks after a bad day.
So thank you for listening to me ranting and venting all the time. (Really. I probably vent once a day.) Thank you for fiddling with the cable cord and watching TV with me, for tolerating the occasional sing-along in the car, and for not judging me when I blabber on and on about my day. I realize I talk too much sometimes, and that my laugh sounds weird, but I'm glad I'm able to talk about anything and laugh about the things I find funny.
An enormous thank you for tolerating my love for Friends. I'm sure it gets obnoxious when I interrupt and say, "This reminds me of the episode of Friends where..." and essentially give the synopsis of an episode. I am physically unable to promise to cut down on quoting or referencing Friends, but I hope it's tolerable enough that you'll still live with me next year.
I could go on and on about the wonderful things my roommates do for me, but I also wish I could return the favor. So if you're reading this, I hope you know I am always ready to listen to your venting/ranting. Always. Even if I'm writing an important paper that's due the next day. I'm also ready to help you carry heavy items, ask if you need medicine when you're sick and congratulate you when you do well. It takes time for me to get things right, but I promise I'll get there eventually.
Thank you, Roommate. For your kindness, helpfulness, and abundant encouragement.
