How to Deal With A Difficult Roommate
Katherine Drumm-Schwartz
In my opinion, one of the hardest things about college is living with roommates. Not that I don’t love my roommates, but I’ve always been the type of person to need their alone time. College has taught me that living with your friends in a dorm room can be a lot trickier than living with your family in a house. It is common that there will be things that you and your roommates do not see eye to eye on. Not everyone lives the same lifestyle, so it can be easy to run into challenges with your roommates. Things such as cleaning habits and sleep schedules could need to be negotiated. However, it is important to make sure that if you are having a problem, you talk to your roommates. Here are some tips to help you deal with a difficult roommate.
Address the Issue Sooner Rather than Later
This is very important. If you are having an issue with your roommate, don’t let it go on for too long. This is just bad for everyone because while you’re just becoming more and more frustrated, your roommate probably has no idea you’re feeling this way. In addition, when you finally decide to confront your roommate about the problem, they could be annoyed that you waited so long to tell them. Your roommate can’t read your mind, so it’s unfair for you to expect them to realize the problem and fix it.
Talk in Person…Don’t Text
This one is pretty easy, but can make such a big difference. I’ve learned that when I want to discuss something important, talking in person goes way better than texting. The thing about texting is that ideas and feelings can easily be misinterpreted, just making matter worse. Since you live with this person, finding a time to talk in person shouldn’t be too challenging. This way you guys will be able to have a conversation where you can both express your opinions and can hear the tone of each other’s voices and see each other’s facial expressions.
Don’t Be Petty
At times like this, resisting the urge to be petty can be very difficult. For example, your roommate leaves a piece of trash on your desk. As tempting as it is, don’t go and put some of your trash on their desk. Take a deep breath, and just throw the piece of trash away. Being petty and retaliating will only make things worse. In this situation, try your best to be the bigger person. You’ll feel better in the long run, trust me.
Be Able to Recognize your Own Flaws
Even though you’re the one having problems with your roommate, I think it’s important that you take a step back and take some time to look at your behavior as well. No one is perfect, and honestly there are probably some things that you do that your roommate isn’t crazy about. Sitting down and talking could give both of you a chance to address these issues. Accepting criticism can be tough, but it is important that you are able to recognize your own flaws. If you can’t do it, how can you expect your roommate to?
Make Sure to Get Some Alone Time
Until I got to college, I did not realize how much I need my alone time. Whether it’s grabbing breakfast on your own in the morning, or studying alone in the library, alone time so important. Some people require more than others, but every now and then it can be really helpful to take some time to be alone. Especially when dealing with difficult roommates, alone time gives you an opportunity to clear your head and relax so that when you’re in your room with your roommate you can be happier.