Looking to make a home with flatmate? Here’s how to do it without going crazy!
Roommate — that person you’re forced to smile and live with because that’s the only way your poor soul can afford to live in an apartment in the city. Living a male roommate in your ‘Mancave’ might seem easy in theory — that’s what pop culture tells us anyway — but in truth, it’s incredibly tricky. And if you’re moving in with one, here’s how to make it work!
Make An Effort To Get To Know Him
OK, sure, boys don’t talk, blah blah blah, but feeding the stereotype will get you nowhere. Get to know him, a little about his life, his habits, tastes, and preferences, which will go a long way in forging a healthy relationship between the two of you.
Leave His Stuff Alone
Golden rule: unless stated otherwise, his belongings are his belongings — period. No, just because his playstation is in the living room doesn’t mean you can call your friends over and play FIFA on it. Just because your shirt isn’t ironed doesn’t mean you can knick his because ‘it was right there’.
Point is, unless he says it’s OK, do not assume it’s OK to share his stuff!
…Unless You’ve Invested In It Together
If you’ve pooled in money and bought something like furniture together, it’s obviously OK to use it without his permission. However, instead of buying furniture, it makes more sense to rent it instead. Not only do you save a ton of money, but services like free delivery and installation make life a lot easier too.
And well, you can’t exactly break a dining table in two if he ends up moving apartments, no?
There Will Be Differences — Learn To Take The High Road
You could be best buds, but you’re still two different people. And as is the case with anyone, there will be differences. If it’s trivial, learn to ignore it or accept it — it’s better than ruining your relationship and peace in the house over it.
Don’t Be That Guy
Who’s that guy? Well, don’t leave your socks or undies on the couch. Don’t not pay the rent on time, and make excuses for the same. And if you think you’ll be late, inform him at the earliest so that he doesn’t face the ignominy because of you. Don’t drink his beer, don’t leave the toilets dirty, and for the last time, don’t borrow (read: steal) his shit!
Girlfriends
OK, you have a girlfriend — great. It’s OK to have her over every now and then, but if she’s over all the time, it might lead to issues. Remember you share the apartment with someone — and it can be annoying for them to have another person in their space at all times. That’s not what he signed up for!
And Lastly, Communicate And Compromise
Communication is vital for any relationship to thrive — especially if it’s with someone you share a living space with. Sit down with them and talk about what’s right and what’s wrong with the apartment once a week, and create an environment where it’s OK for the two of you to talk about it with complete honesty.
Similarly, if they say something’s bothering them, try and compromise and work on it. Remember, the goal to make a happy, peaceful home, and making compromises, both ways, is the only way to achieve that goal!
Communication is the key for sure.