Living With Roommates

There are times you'll have to move out of your home and live with flatmates. And that is not a simple walk in the park. Here are a few tips on living with flatmates.

1. Communication is huge. You're an adult, if something needs to be said, say it. Don't expect your roommates to know how you feel without telling them and then resent them for not getting it.
Communicate about HOW you all want things done.
A chores chart is a good idea, but what if one person's idea of "clean the bathroom" is wiping down the sink while someone else mops, cleans the toilet, scrubs the shower? Ensure everyone understands that "washing the plates" includes putting them away too because it can be a separate chore for someone else? These might seem minor until everyone is going around in anger because there's a moldy pot that's been in the sink for three weeks because no one thinks it's their pot to clean.
Communication is big, but compromising is also key. You can't be stubborn or unwilling to bend. It won't work, nothing will get solved. You have to find ways to make everybody happy and that means compromising on some small things.

2. You aren't under any obligations to hang out together all the time.

3. Discuss what foods, if any, you are willing to share.
It won't seem like a big deal until someone takes your last plate of rice or beans.

4. Learn to take the high road, especially if you move in with a friend.
Set aside your pride. If something annoys you, stop and ask yourself whether or not it's worth getting into a huge fight for; especially one that will ruin your friendship. Petty arguments add up and resentment builds and if you truly care about a person, learn to let go of the little things that aren't worth it.
Good friends don't always necessarily make good roommates and good roommates don't always necessarily make good friends.

5. Exchange emergency information with each other.
This should include contacts to call in case of emergency, people that shouldn't be let into the apartment, whether or not any of you have a stalker, etc.

6. Respect everyone’s finances.
Even if a flatmate earning more than you are, pay your part, and do it on time. Don't assume the person is supposed to pay for you, they're not working for your sake.

7. If you’re having guests, send a text.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your parents or best friend or your significant other or neighbor. You don’t need to offer an explanation or ask permission, just let your roommates know so they can be decent and be in whatever makes them comfortable.

8. Do not be afraid to sit together and do absolutely nothing.
People think roommate bonding time has to be an adventure and crazy fun time, but sometimes the best way to get to know somebody well is to just sit in the same room and read articles for six hours. —Sadie Gracelynn Trigg.

9. Make boundaries.
Have a "roommate agreement"; this is a contract that both roommates agree to abide by. It can entail if you're willing to have others in the apartment, if you're willing to share clothes or food and when "quiet hour" may be in your room. Each roommate agrees and signs. This will keep you all on the same page with expectations for each other and can set what kind of relationship you may have with your roomies.

10. Be aware of your own habits on a daily basis.
Taking a positive lead in your shared home will hopefully rub off on your roommates and make living together easier. Like, instead of leaving the dirty dishes all week and quietly hating your roommate, wash them nightly and ask your roomie, "You want to wash or rinse?” Doing chores together can help relieve negative tension and make the chore seem less stressful. Also remember that little habits of yours might not seem like a big deal, but it could be something that is seriously irritating to your roommates over time.

11. Have a "Do Not" talk with your roommate.
Trust me, a lot can be accomplished by simply sitting down and talking about what you will not accept or don't want in your apartment. Small arguments can be avoided a lot more quickly if you do this when you first move in instead of waiting until something happens to tick you both off. —Princess Claudia.

12. It’s easier to accept that people are going to live how they want to than try to change how they live.

13. Wear headphones.
Even if your roommate has the same taste in music/TV/movies as you, that doesn’t mean they always want to hear what you have on. So be polite and don't be a noisy roommate.

14. Always remember that not everyone was raised like you.

15. Don't break your roommate's trust.
This is a serious issue. Once you gain a person's trust and break it, it is often hard to get it back. If you or your roommate don't trust each other, living together would start to seem like a chore. Give them their space and privacy. Let them know you are there for them if they need it and give them your trust as well. Trust is a big step in starting any relationship.


Remember hygiene is key. You can't always choose your flat-mates. But what you can do is find the perfect apartment at www.gbale.com.ng or contact 07083575049.

Never ever try that shit. It ruins friendships

NnamdiN:
Never ever try that shit. It ruins friendships

Which of them?

ShayAaaa:


Which of them?

living with a flatmate. Make as much effort to stay alone

NnamdiN:
living with a flatmate. Make as much effort to stay alone

And if you can't afford it..?

ShayAaaa:

And if you can't afford it..?

deal with the issues that come with it