It’s that time of year when everyone’s getting a little restless.
Classes are at their peaks , everyone is stressed out and most likely, you and your roommates are irritated with one another. You’re more likely to get into some arguments this time of year due to the combinations of all of these elements.
Here’s some things to keep in mind before you explode:
Be Understanding
Before you yell at your roommate for not washing his/her share of the dishes or leaving laundry in the dryer for too long, try to think about what your roommate has going on. Do you know that he/she is going through a rough breakup or has a really rough class schedule? Think about how you would feel if you were going through that before lashing out. Most likely, all they need is a nice reminder and they will get it done.
Stay Off Social Media
It’s so easy to vent by sending out a tweet or a Facebook post — but just because you’re upset or irritated in that moment doesn’t mean you need to throw it out there for everyone to see. Stop sending out the passive-aggressive tweets! First try reasoning with your roommate — let them know what’s bothering you. If that doesn’t work, vent to a friend (not a mutual one) or a family member just to get it out of your system, but please stay off the Internet until you’re done fuming! Here’s a list of common roommate problems and how to deal.
Make a Calendar
While this sounds a little silly, it’s something that could keep you from losing your sanity. If you feel like you’re being stuck with all the chores, make a chore schedule. If you feel you’re the one buying the majority of the cleaning supplies or food, make a calendar for who needs to go buy these items each week. Or, if it’s not something that’s on a weekly basis, keep a chart and mark off who bought what. Here’s a great template for you to get started!
Don’t Live With Them Next Year
If you’ve got some serious beef with one of your roommates, no one is forcing a gun to your head to make you live with this person next semester. You always have the opportunity to get out of the situation, especially if your lease is running out. While it’s always good to be upfront about moving out, no one can fault you for trying to make your life a little easier.
Take Yourself Out of the Equation
If one of your roommates is seriously getting on your nerves, now is the time to hang out with other friends or even take a trip home for the weekend to get some space. You will be a lot less likely to explode at each other if you’re not spending every waking moment together!
While these tips won’t help with every single situation (or every crazy roommate), remember to keep your cool and take the higher road. Actions speak louder than words.
If they are just not a good person, it will turn around and bite them in the end — count on it.
