Roommates are an experience like no other. It's an unprecedented relationship where you learn the unique habits and quirks while living together. You never know what to expect with them, so the only hope you have is to be prepared with a game plan to keep your place at peace and full of fun. In my apartment of three girls and one guy, I have found from experience that these seven practices help make living with roommates sweeter for everyone.
1. Make an effort to understand where your roommates are coming from.
Everyone has had their own experiences that shaped who they are now. Learning about your roomie helps you understand the reasoning behind their opinions, actions and decisions. It can be amazingly insightful to see the world from someone else's perspective if you ask to hear their story.
2. Find a ridiculous movie or show to watch together.
Pop up some corn, pour a glass of wine and browse Netflix or Hulu. Try a spoof, crazy reality show, or cheesy horror movie that'll make you laugh until you cry. Then you'll have something that you can bond over, gossip about and/or quote in the future.
3. Talk about the financial stuff.
Rent and bills are important subjects to be discussed in living situations. Figure out who writes the rent check every month and make sure that you pay your share. Bills should be split evenly and paid on time. It's part of "adulting" and pulling your weight as a roommate. Plus, talking about money makes it a more approachable topic for future conversations. Things do happen in life, so have a plan if someone needs to be covered until they get their next paycheck.
4. Have a roomie dinner every so often.
Dinner is a great time to catch up with roommates. Try having a taco Tuesday fiesta or making a casserole at home one night. Just have everyone contribute some food items from their pantry to make a complete meal. If you decide to go out to eat, stack your phones on the table and the first person to touch theirs has to pay for everyone's dinner. Food just has that wonderful bonding power to it.
5. Rotate between buying a communal treat for everyone to share.
The snack doesn't have to be anything spectacular. Sharing food with someone says, "Hey, I like you enough to part with one of my beloved snacks." So when it's hot out and freeze pops are a must, why not share with your roomies? Maybe they could buy cinnamon rolls to share next time.
6. Make sure everyone's updated and communicating.
Facebook Messenger and GroupMe are two messaging services you can use to reach all of your roommates simultaneously. Now this doesn't mean that you all need to share every little detail from your life constantly. (Unless you want to, by all means!) Group messages are a perfect way to keep everyone involved, even if you're away from them. Find a funny Buzzfeed article you know they'd laugh at or send a screenshot of the electric bill. But if a fight arises, take the time to work through it in person and avoid the group chat. Be approachable about the problem and work together to find an agreeable solution. The confrontation may suck, but you'll feel so much better afterward. Your roommate is worth conversation and updates just like you are.
7. Go on an adventure.
Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Hit up the lanes on dollar bowling night, explore local shops, go on a hike, try rollerblading or whatever else sounds like something you'd enjoy doing with your roommate. Whatever adventure you decide on, document where it leads you.
After all, living with your roommates best friends should be fun.
