Is it possible to find a perfect roommate?
The good news is that it is, the not so good news is that it can be
quite tricky. The important thing to remember is that it’s not about finding a
perfect person, because that doesn’t exist. It’s about finding a perfect
roommate for you and your lifestyle — someone who fits and agrees with you
where it matters.
A lot of that will depend on your personal preferences, but there are
some universally good traits that are desirable in a roommate that you should
pay attention to. If you’ve been unlucky in this quest so far, or if you’re
just starting it, here’s what to keep in mind:
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is an important trait, especially if you’re moving in
with someone you don’t know that well. Sharing your living space with someone
without being able to trust them certainly won’t be pleasant. Before you move
in, look for the signs of untrustworthiness or questionable behavior. If it’s a
person you’ve recently met, consider whether someone you know can vouch for
them. And if you really wantto be careful, do a background check.
Reliability
Having a reliable roommate can make the difference between a stressful
and a blissfulliving situation. If they’re unreliable, you can’t function as a
team, and that means difficulties. You can easily spot an unreliable person by
asking the following questions: Are they there for their friends? Do they show
up where and when they’ve said they would show up? Do they pay their rent on
time?
You don’t want to live with someone who constantly leaves you hanging
when you need them, so make sure your future roommate is a dependable person.
Cleanliness
Incompatible cleaning habits are one of the main problems people have
with their roommates. Of course, nobody wants to live with a slob, but that
usually isn’t what ends up happening. More often than not, it’s the little
differences in cleaning habits that cause arguments and stress.
For example, your roommate might otherwise be very neat but have the
unfortunate habit of piling up used coffee mugs on their desk, or outside of
their own space.
They might prefer to wash the dishes right after a meal, while you tend
to load them in the sink for later. Or one of you might be obsessive about
cleanliness, while the other is a little more laid back. These differences are
enough to create frustration in everyday life, so it’s important to be on the
same page.
Respectfulness
Finally, whatever your differences or disagreements, your roommate
should be respectful and communicative enough to discuss them rather than
argue. No matter how well you get along, it’s inevitable to have disagreements,
and you want someone who can handle them in a mature way. If they tend to sulk,
give you the silent treatment or lose their temper in confrontational
situations, they might not be the best choice.
Choosing a roommate is an important decision, and you want to be sure
you’re not making a mistake. With a roommate that possesses these traits,
living together will be a good experience.
If you found these tips helpful, keep following our blog
for more useful information for apartment renters.
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