In many sitcoms, roommates usually equate to wacky adventures and hilarious encounters with everyone from businessmen to the city block that you live on. In reality, however, a roommate isn’t as interesting. Seeing as how the loudest people form stories easier than others the word “roommate” is often time synonymous with lazy, filthy people who are late on rent EVERY month. Thankfully I am not this kind of roommate. Even so, I’m apologizing for being a roommate.
My current living arrangement is the first time I’ve been a roommate, but I imagine that in most cases, people are in talks for a while discussing if sharing an apartment for a while would work out. My talk like that lasted less than a day, but, thankfully, worked out. I’ve been living here for a few months and, being honest, I feel a little guilty. They swear up and down that I’m the best roommate that they’ve ever had, but I feel as though I am the most annoying and inconvenient person that they’ve ever known; two qualities that I hate having people see me as. I’m not too bad, I suppose. I’m one of those people that listen to the same music playlist over and over again, but I also try to find more artists to listen to. I don’t take up too much space. The most I have are a fork, a cooking pot, and a few glasses. I still feel in the way; I constantly find myself making up excuses to leave the apartment to give my roommates (who are engaged) time to themselves.
Even though I keep to myself and pay rent on time, I’m still not comfortable with being a roommate. I suppose that’s to be expected after living on my own for a year prior. My constant music playing and pacing at 3 a.m. has made me a little more self-conscious of my introverted habits. I don’t mean to downplay having or being a roommate. There are still some of those sitcom moments that arise from roommate situations and, I think, that is what makes it all worth it. All of the fears and insecurities I have about living with someone disappear. I’m not living off of someone, I’ve made good friends and I’m experiencing life alongside them. We’re all saving money because the rent is split between multiple people as well as the other bills.
The memories made as a roommate are some that will be remembered for most of our lives, but it still brings the common worries that I have mentioned above. So this article goes out to you gracious hosts who offer your spare room to us. I know it may be a difficult arrangement having a stranger live in your home. On behalf of us who accept your offer, I’m sorry for the loud music and the dishes I forgot to put in the machine and for putting my shoes by the front door instead of taking them off in front of the couch. I hope you can forgive me and I promise I’ll buy the next pack of toilet paper.
