October 13, 2020
Sharing a living space can be difficult, and controversy can be hard to avoid when living in close quarters. At the same time, living with a roommate can be a lot of fun, especially if you get along well! Below are three useful tools to help navigate living with roommates.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is arguably the most important tool to use when living with roommates. Being open with one another helps create an environment where you feel heard and understood. Establish this environment right away so that communication is easy and welcomed in your living space.
COMPROMISE
When you share a living space, you must be willing to compromise. Remembering that the space is just as much theirs as it is yours, means they have just as much right to the shared living spaces as you do.
CONFRONTATION
Confrontation can be hard but remember that confrontation can be very beneficial. When confronting an issue, use discernment about how to approach and deliver the conversation.
Don’t forget that sharing a living space with a roommate can be a lot of fun! Checkout a few of the benefits of living with a roommate below!
SOMEONE TO TALK TO
The most obvious benefit of having a roommate is having someone around to talk to. They can offer advice, help, or just a listening ear when you need to talk out loud. Simply just having someone around can make you feel safe while enjoying the company of the other person.
SAVES MONEY
Splitting the monthly payments can be helpful, especially when you are living on a budget. It is a good idea to talk about money with your roommate right away, so you are on the same page with what expenses are split and not.
LIVING WITH OTHERS
Figuring out how to live with others, can help you learn to be more patient and a better communicator with others who are potentially much different than yourself.
Living with others can be hard, but communicating, compromising, and confronting are three useful tools to use in your living space. If you enjoy having people around, living with a roommate can be a lot of fun! Plus, you have the potential to learn a lot about yourself and others!
