How to be a Roommate and Friend

Moving in with your close friends could be one of the best experiences of your life, or the worst. Here's how to remain friends with those you live with and protect the harmony of your home life at the same time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Communicate openly. Be up front about your sleeping, eating, studying, work and social habits and let your roommate do the same. Even if you've been friends for years, if you have never lived with this person, then there is still a lot to learn.
2. Compromise. Sharing anything, let alone a living space, is all about meeting half way. You may not always get your roommates to behave exactly how you'd like, but there is always a middle ground where everyone can be happy. Roommates are happiest when they feel they are in a house founded on democracy rather than totalitarianism.
3. Respect each other's privacy. Even though you're in close quarters and are close friends, everyone needs to have their own private time. Resist going through your roommate's things when they are gone, reading their journal, or even using their computer unless they say it's alright.
4. Keep track of money and chores. It is helpful to have a white board with erasable markers or a cork-board where you can tack up or write notes about when rent is due, who owes who for the electricity bill, who is cleaning the bathroom this weekend, etc. Having a rotating schedule of chores and reminders for bills helps keep everyone on track and makes sure everyone is contributing to the well-being of the house.
5. Express your feelings. For important matters, such as money, cleanliness or respect, be open about telling your roommate how they are making you feel. They may not have realized their actions were bothering you. Resist the urge to be passive aggressive.
6. Schedule bonding time. Having a good friendship will benefit your roommate relationship and vice versa.