Image from www.pinewoodvalley.netAh, the good old days of college. Not surprisingly, having a roommate who is a friend (and not your spouse) has become more common these days. Whether it drives the rent down, keeps you company, or makes you feel safer, the etiquette you must learn to cohabitate successfully remains the same. Don’t think you fall into this category? There’s always that weekend retreat, work conference, or even a getaway with girlfriends. When the time comes, remember these tips:
- Be up front and frank. Leave your passive-aggressiveness at the door. People who communicate (as in all relationships) make things work. If you can’t sleep with the lights on, say so. If you just have to watch the weather nightly, say so. Always be willing to compromise.
- Be tidy. This should go without being said, but the key is to do so without procrastination. Whether you’re sharing a hotel room or an apartment, sloppiness has a tendency to send type A people over the edge.
- Record all shared expenses and reconcile them quickly (i.e. if one roommate pays electricity and the other reimburses). Settle all discrepancies and then don’t look back. Keep a detailed record for reference.
- If you host something in the shared quarters, be sure to invite your roommate if the occasion allows. In the same light, if you’re roommate is hosting something special or intimate, make plans to let them have their space.
- Be modest. It’s better to air on the side of caution, changing your clothes behind closed doors and keeping your outside conversations private. Some people are very uncomfortable in those situations an you shouldn’t put them in a place of anxiety out of carelessness.
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
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