Who said it was easy breaking up with someone? Even when it is your roommate, it’s just as hard. You have lived and breathed with this person for months, even a year and you are just over it. You can’t even deal anymore. You might come to terms that you and your roommate just can’t live together any longer.
You think you can work things out, but it ends up being a one sided relationship and you are doing all the work to reconcile. With the fall semester rushing to its end, you have to make a decision on whether you should stay or go.
Here are some signs that you need to just call it quits:
1. “Dirty Diana”
Your roommate just doesn’t know how to clean up after herself. Who does she think is going to pick up that empty bag of chips she left on the couch? You cannot be the only one doing all the cleaning. Try to create a schedule so that you and your roommate can alternate days or weeks when each of you will clean, and have her stick to it!
2. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”
Does she just walk into your room without even a knock on your door? Is she borrowing your clothes? Are you finding your things in different places than where you last set it? This person does not have enough respect for you and your things to even let you know what she has used or touched it, and it’s absolutely not okay.
3. “Bills, Bills, Bills”
Because you share an apartment (dorm) with your roommate, the cost of living should be split down the middle either it be groceries, utilities or rent. Let’s say one month, she’s late on her half of the rent so you cover her payment. That is, understandable, and you’re willing to help her out this one time. BUT, when it becomes a habit and she is just mooching off of you, you can take that as a sign to leave!
4. “Hit the road, Jack.” (No, seriously, leave!)
Your roommate always has her boyfriend or friends over all the time. And we mean all of the time. Yes, it’s fun to have people over, but when the party is over he/she doesn’t have to go home but they have to get the heck up out of there! If you and your roommate set up a list of acceptable people who can be over on a regular basis and it gets to the point where you are feeling as if your space has been invaded, it is time to tell your roomie that her friend has to go. Or soon enough, you will.
5. “Where have you been?”
Where is your roommate? You barely see her anymore, which might mean a few things. Maybe she is irritated with you. Has she just been coming home to grab clothes and then leaving? Has she been avoiding you when you do happen to see her at home? Here’s the thing: maybe you’re “that roommate.” Check your past behavior, and see if you’ve accidentally disrespected your roomie and her space. Have you been messy or skipping out on some of the bills you share? Has your S.O. be around a little too much? Has your roommate even tried to talk to you about the situations, and you brush her off? You might need to change some of your ways in order to show respect to her. Or, soon enough, you’ll see her walk out the door before you do.
Not all roommate living situations end up in disturbia. A lot of the time, sharing a space with a good friend turns out to be a great experience! But, you need to make sure you are living in peace and coexistence with one another, and not in tension. If complications come up, either work them out together, or discuss a possible room change for the next semester.
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