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The Modern Protocol to your Roommate Faux Pas |
 Photo By Danielle Blue You’ve seen it all: the good and the bad in roommates.
It’s mid-quarter, the season is changing, and you need a new
roommate to fill and seal the deal. It’s only a matter of
time that one would come across the question, “How do I avoid
a roommate from hell?”
Generally, people have preferences: dislikes and likes. Most start off
with the dislikes in a roommate because like most, we’ve
dealt with signs of roommate predicament. To have a peaceful
cohabitation, there are things we all like to avoid: clutter, heinous
food management, undergarments hanging, space hogging, and
confrontations of who didn’t do what and when.
Well, let’s face it, God did state, “Love thy
neighbor,” but those words vex you. You think that perhaps
the best way to solve your problem is to axe him or her, but your
roommate might think the same about you. Personally, if the grounds
between you and your co-partner are on fire, I suggest douse it
together.
Here are some tips in searching for a potential roommate:
Make sure his or her personal habits suit your own. Obviously, habits
usually come out in time, but note if both of you can connect on the
idea of “compromise.” This will help the whole
party.
Take note on schedule differences. For example, if you are an early
bird with an 8 a.m. class, you will be up running bathroom water and
packing for school. However, if your roommate has a schedule that
starts in the middle of the day, your morning rituals may become a
reason for conflict. It’s crucial that you and your
roommate(s) understand that time difference is going to happen. When
this does occur, discuss ways to be respectful with noise.
It’s easy to believe that many people actually take the time
to clean up. This has not always been the case. Some have grown to love
their personal clutter, whereas others have been incessantly cleaning
after themselves. Roommates will always have some kind of discrepancy
about cleanliness. Perhaps, make a time schedule or duty rule for each
person. After all, this place called home isn’t owned by one
person, but all who are involved.
As roommates, it’s okay to have a meeting to hit the main
bullet points of improving your home life. This will update your
roommates about their progress and your own. This kind of meeting can
also become a reminder for deadlines such as bills and rent. Be
consistent and be wary of your due dates because this will earn your
more respect.
When wrapping things up, make a binding contract about each
responsibility. Think positively about your roommates because shedding
any false light may hold you accountable as well. Living with a new
crowd is not easy, but if every simple duty is met, this becomes
nobody’s debt.
Lastly, in the words of God, “"Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself" Matthew 19:19.
Although there isn't one exact rulebook for roommates, there are many
helpful resources available. If this article applies to you in any way,
you might be interested in
http://www.roommateroommateroommate.com/roommaterules.html
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