For most of us venturing out into our first few real years of exploring on our own, we have come face to face with some real challenges. We may find that some of them are not as hard as others. Our first big concern is usually establishing a place to call our own, whether it is in a dorm, apartment, or even a house. We all usually get pretty excited about having our own place. But almost as important as the Where is the Who. A roommate choice is a very important and fun decision, and for those of us who get to spend these years with our current best friends, here are some wise things to remember when sharing a space with someone we are close to:
1. Learn How To Compromise
Living with another person can be tough. Most college kids aren’t used to sharing with other people, and having to give up that sense of privacy and comfort can be a tough thing to deal with. One of the best things to remember when you share a space with another person is to always have a willingness to compromise. Everyone wants to have a space they feel great in, and it is a smart choice to have everyone bring a bit of home with them to their new place to make them feel welcome.
2. Ask First
Everyone is guilty of it: thinking your roomie won't notice if you “borrow” some yogurt from the fridge or a favorite pair of shoes that just look so good with your outfit. No matter what the case, always remember to ask before you “borrow” so no one’s feelings get hurt when their strawberry yogurt is missing and you have to run to the store to get more.
3. Take A Deep Breath
As close of friends as you may be, keep in mind that arguments will happen eventually, and it is smart to always remind yourself of the “Count to 10” rule when you find yourself in a fight with your roomie. You may have occasional cuddle and ice cream sessions, but that doesn’t mean that things will always be perfect between you two. Just give yourself some space, retreat to your room, and think about ways to resolve any issues. Come back later when the dust has settled.
4. Have As Much Fun As Possible
No matter the situation, always remember that you chose this person to be a part of your life, to live with you, and share some of the best memories with. If you each respect one another, then you will have some of the best experiences with this person, you will definitely end up learning a lot about yourself in the process, and your friendship will grow in the process.
