Roommate Issues

Sharing a living space with another person requires patience and cooperation.

Most people live with a roommate when they first move out of their family home, to make it more affordable. According to Oh My Apt, a renters guide, there are five common problems that roommates face: food, bills, guests, noise and cleaning.

Compatibility

Disorganized homes tend to add stress and chaos to the living environment.

Some roommates are more compatible than others based upon the personalities involved. Often a very organized person will end up living with a messy person, and this causes tension and disagreements in the home. Agreement over the issues of food, bills, guests, noise and cleaning go a long way toward compatibility.

Boundaries

Boundaries establish personal space and respect for others.

A sense of boundaries is very important for maintaining good relationships, especially with roommates. Typical boundary issues include things such as barging in someone's room without knocking first or invading their privacy in the bathroom. Food is another boundary issue, if one roommate eats more than his share of food or does not pay for the food eaten.

Communication

Talking honestly about one's feelings without blaming one another is healthy communication.

Communication is key for any relationship. Misunderstandings and conflict can escalate if communication skills fail. The "silent treatment," or not speaking to each other, is counterproductive to any relationship. Communication is especially important when inviting guests over, so that one roommate does not feel intruded upon.

References

• Oh My Apt: "5 Common Problems That College Roommates Encounter"