Tips On Successful Cohabitation With A Roommate
♫ Thursday, February 24th, 2011Whether you’re living with a roommate in college dorms or your friends in your home, can live with its challenges. There are some tricks available to make living with a roommate much easier. If you did not have to share your space before you have someone that is not your family, you may find it difficult to get along with your roommate. Successful coexistence may take patience, understanding, and set clear expectations and boundaries.
People have their reasons for wanting to get a roommate. Whether you need a roommate for financial reasons or just someone with whom to share your house, finding a roommate can be a process. Of course the key to a successful roommate relationship is mutual respect. Respecting each others life-style, requests, and belongings is what makes cohabitation work.
You and your roommate should sit down and discuss how to live together. Each should be honest and clear about what they are and are not willing to share. Set clear boundaries and policies. Many roommates share the cost of food in addition to rent and utilities. This can be beneficial to both parties if approached in a reasonable and fair manner. Just keep in mind that people have varying likes, dislikes, habits, and tastes so food sharing may not be for everyone.
You can approach any kitchen or food issues with the establishment of a cooking schedule so each roommate has designated cooking days. Or it can be decided that each cooks for themselves except on pre-arranged occasions. You should discuss the policies on borrowing and replacing staples such as milk and butter.
It can be nice to arrange to have a meal together now and again. This can help you develop your relationship. You can agree that whoever does the cooking the other clean up afterwards. But no matter what the agreement, always be respectful and don’t leave a mess.
Equally share in household responsibilities such as vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. Take turns taking out the trash and be responsible for your personal space. And, if necessary, devise a shared chore list to be clear. Most importantly share in the care of the home in which you cohabitate. This will make everyone happier.
