If You Have A Problematic Roommate, These Tips Are For You

Living with a roommate or roommate can sometimes be extra challenging as each person has their own habits that can be bothersome to others. So if you’re living with a roommate, especially for a long period of time, it’s important to find common ground, otherwise things can escalate. No matter how calm you are or how good your “humanity” is, an annoying, stubborn, or difficult roommate can really get on your nerves. With that in mind, here are seven reliable tips to help you deal with a hostile roommate:

Discuss your expectations from day one

We all know that prevention is easier and better than treatment, and this principle applies to roommates too: Why have a fight when you can prevent it in the first place? It’s important to discuss your expectations from the start. How will you two handle intimate visits? How do you agree to use common areas like bathroom or kitchen?

What about the noise? How will you split rent and bills? All of these are important issues that are best discussed face-to-face rather than via email, text, or sticky notes. State your expectations of your roommate while listening to their expectations; Remember that having a roommate is not a one-way street.

Additionally, many people would agree that putting up a “House Rules” board can help them remember others’ expectations and avoid conflicts with them.

Talk about what’s bothering you and help your roommate change

This is a tricky one: even if you don’t like your roommate’s actions or behavior and you don’t always agree with his way of thinking, he can help you to change. For example, if you’ve decided to replace all your incandescent bulbs with new LED bulbs (which are more expensive), but your roommate doesn’t want to pay the extra money, you have two options: You can sit down and try to explain to him that the investment pays off quickly as electricity bills are reduced immediately, or you can simply offer to pay for the lightbulbs yourself.

The same principles apply to a variety of other situations, so long as you know how to discuss the issue and demonstrate the benefits of taking a particular action.

Avoid Passive-Aggressive Play

Difficult roommates are difficult for a reason: they can be wild, or they can just be stubborn and refuse any kind of communication. On the other hand, if your roommate is the passive-aggressive type who leaves threats or hostile sticky notes on the fridge, then try not to respond to that attitude as it will only make matters worse. The sole purpose of these passive-aggressive games, which are surprisingly common, is to make you a ‘player in the game’ and then misrepresent your words and actions so that you are the one at fault.

If you have something to say to your roommate, be sure to say it directly. The ‘class wars’ will do you both no good; on the contrary, they only waste time and nerves.

Setting clear ground rules

Telling your roommate what your expectations are and setting clear ground rules may sound the same, but they are actually two different things. The first is based on your roommate’s common sense, who needs to understand and respect your privacy and habits. and your way of life in general.

Sometimes, however, it’s better to be clear about what your favorite pastimes are right from the start. For example, you can set a ground rule that neither of you can play loud computer games or listen to music while the other is reading or working. And discuss other things too: if you don’t want your partner to drink alcohol or smoke around you, say so clearly! For example, you can enforce a “smoking on the balcony only” rule, both of which respect.

Communication is Key

Whatever is bothering you about your roommate, it’s important to discuss it and try to resolve it in a friendly, polite, and civil manner. Whether your roommate is making noise when trying to do their homework or snoring and keeping you up at night, let them know and try to find a mutually beneficial solution to the problem. Remember to keep calm and be polite; At the end you know what they say, “with honey than with vinegar.” Always be flexible and willing to compromise when it comes to making life easier for both of you.

Talk to your assistant

If you’ve tried everything from setting rules to compromise to opening discussions, but nothing seems to work and your roommate is still making you nervous, another option is to get in touch with Speak to your assistant if you live in a dorm. The RA can help you settle or find a new roommate if that is the ultimate solution. However, it is a matter of common sense and politeness not to contact the
RA until you have had an ‘adult talk’ with your roommate.

Move!

If you or your RA cannot find a workable solution, or cannot find a replacement for your current roommate, your last resort is to simply move out of the room. Sometimes it’s important to know when to stop. and find somewhere else to stay instead of constantly having to deal with something annoying or frustrating.

Source: tellyouall.com

Photo: Moving.com