It’s October. This is the month that “froomies” can turn into “frenmies”. You are in the same friend groups, you go out together on the weekends, you participate in events together. You guys do EVERYTHING together. However, lately tensions have been building up—the 7th time she has hit the snooze button is grating your nerves, the passive aggressive comments that infiltrate your conversations, etc. You are starting to wonder if you can survive living with her another eight months. Don’t worry! Here are five some tips on how to keep your “froomie” status!
1. Give each other some space!
You don’t have to do everything together to be best friends. Join a club or maybe rush a sorority… find an activity or group of friends of your own that allows you and your roommate to have some much needed time apart. Remember, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder!”
2. Communicate!
If something is bothering you just tell her. Don’t accuse her, but gently bring up issues that you are having in a non-confrontational way. Maybe it’s all about a giant misunderstanding! This doesn’t just apply to the big issues—this goes for everything! Don’t make a big deal out of things, but it’s okay to casually address something before it leads to a bigger issue.
3. Be mindful of things that could be potential issues and address it beforehand
If you’re going to have visitors over, or you know that your life is going to be hectic in the upcoming week so cleaning won’t be your priority, or anything that effects your roommate, just tell them in advance! Let them mentally prepare for whatever it is, adjust their expectations/schedules, or discuss compromises.
4. Don’t get defensive!
If your roommate approaches you about an issue, even if they go about it in a confrontational way, don’t get defensive about it. Try to see the situation from their point of view! Remember you are going to have to live with this person for eight more months; you don’t want an avoidable fight turn your home into Hell.
5. Random Acts of Kindness
Whether it’s getting your roommate a doughnut at Dunkin when you grab coffee on your way back to your room or just asking how their day went, a little kindness can go a long way in keeping an amicable relationship with your roommate!