How to Solve Problems With Roommates
Sharing an apartment with a roommate can reduce the cost of rent. It is common for college students to have roommates, either off-campus or in a dorm. Living with another person sometimes creates conflicts, however. These can usually be resolved by setting mutually agreed-upon rules. Creating rules together, and dividing household responsibilities fairly will ensure that conflict is kept to a minimum. When dealing with problems with a roommate, it is best to calmly discuss the problem and find a solution that is fair to both parties.
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Instructions
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Review the problem and agree with your roommate on a description of the problem. This means both perspectives need to be considered, and the cause of the problem clearly defined. Instead of placing blame, determine the cause and reaction that led to the problem. Review any ground rules that were made concerning the original living arrangement and determine if the issue was accounted for in those rules.
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Talk to your roommate in a calm, rational manner when a specific issue comes up. If the issue was not covered in your basic ground rules, new agreements may need to be created. Not every issue can be prevented or planned for. Confront your roommate in a civil way and explain what is bothering you. Listen to his response, and try to view the problem from his perspective. After both opinions are shared, use creative thinking to come up with a fair solution. Compromises may need to be made on both sides.
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Plan out how to deal with future problems. Repeating a successful method, such as a calm conversation where a conflict was solved previously, is a good idea. Analyze past arguments and avoid repeating any mistakes that worsened the situation. If a roommate is habitually breaking household rules, work with him to create a solution in advance if he breaks the rules again.
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Tips & Warnings
Many colleges offer roommate mediation services to help solve issues that can't be solved solely between the roommates. Ask an advisor at the college if there is a mediation program, or if he would be willing to counsel you and your roommate on a specific issue.
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- Photo Credit couple arguing image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
