This article is going to be a little different than my past “how to” articles. It’s going to start with a story! So grab your popcorn and get cozy because here we go! A couple of weeks ago my roommate and I were relaxing on our couch together just chatting about the usual (school, work, boys, etc.) when, with one large gesture, she accidently knocked over the glass of water she was drinking and it spilled all over our coffee table. No big deal right? Well, that’s what I thought until I realized water was seeping under my computer. We quickly picked it up and dried it off and it seemed to be working ok until about 30 minutes later where it just randomly turned off. It kept on doing this every time I would try to use it until I finally decided to have it looked at.
Long story short, it ended up that my computer was experiencing electrical shorts due to the water and it would make more sense to get a new computer. I bet you’re wondering why I’m telling you all of this. What’s the point? Well my friend, here is where the how to part of this article comes in. I needed a new computer but I felt like my roommate should pay for part of it. But talking about money, especially at a time where nobody has any, can be a really touchy subject. I didn’t want my friendship to be changed or to end over this. But I luckily found a way to discuss this problem with her without us having to settle our differences on Maury or Jerry Springer or some show where there’s lots of yelling and such (Teen Mom Reunion anyone?).
Tip 1: Find the right time to discuss this. As she’s running around, panicked about the 10 page paper she has due that day probably isn’t the best time. Find a time where you are both not very stressed and can take 10 minutes to calmly discuss what the next step should be.
Tip 2: Take whatever is ruined to an expert. Sure, if it’s a shirt or some jewelry you probably won’t have to do this. I mean, the damage is visible. But if it’s an electrical item (like a computer) take it to someone who can diagnose the problem. They can also tell you for sure what caused the problem and help inform you of what you should do next.
Tip 3: Don’t be accusatory, just state the facts. Just tell you friend plain and simple what happened and what action you feel the both of you should do. Having an expert’s advice can really help you out here. And if you do it in a calm and mature manner, the conversation can go a lot smoother then if you yell at them saying they owe you $100 for whatever item they ruined.
Tip 4: Decide between you two how much money should be paid. In my case, my computer was a couple of years old so having her pay the full amount would have been unfair. But between us two, along with help from the expert I took my computer to and our parents, we were able to calmly find a price that would be fair to both of us.
Accidents happen and sometimes they really suck. But just remember, items are easily replaceable. Friendships aren’t. Is it really worth ruining a good friendship just because of an accident that could have happened to anyone? Probably not. But, if you both stay mature the problem can usually come to a simple solution with no harm done (I messages, not you messages people!).