Roommates! Sometimes it seems as if the word is synonymous with the devil himself. They nag, they irritate, they bore and sometimes all we want is a little alone time, a little space to ourselves.

For most of us, roommates were anything but instant friends. Maybe it was the vibe they elicited, or a natural animosity that arises from meeting a complete stranger that you have to share such close quarters with.

All negativity aside, your roommate experience can be different. You might not be instant friends but you can learn to build a quasi-friendship during your stay with your assigned roommate.

Communicate

As with relationships, marriage and friendships, a good roommate relationship can only be based on good communication. This involves honest and truthfulness delivered with some tact. Brutal honesty can only worsen the relationship.

If you don’t like your roommate borrowing something that belongs to you, tell them or help them get a similar item for themselves. If they bring over too many people too often, tell them as well, in a polite mature way.

Keeping things to yourself leads to resentment and might even erupt in a fight. If the roommate is not willing to change, seek for ways that you can get a change or room or roommate.

Find areas of common interest

Sitting at night, each one at their phone or laptop is not going to create a semblance of a relationship between you and your roommate. Put the electronic gadgets aside and get to know each other. Talk about the things you love and the activities you like doing. There is a high chance that you will find one activity that you are both interested in sooner rather than later. If course-work, or that essay whose deadline is on Monday is a hindrance to you two having some quality time, you can always delegate it to a custom paper writer at unemployedprofessors.com

Look for positive sides of the roommate

Beyond the first impressions, as you spend more time with the roommate you should get to know them. Try to ignore the bad sides of them, because let’s be real, every one has some bad aspects. Look for sides that you deem good qualities in your roommate. This might help you appreciate and get closer to them. Moreover, people react better to you when you admire something about them.

A before U

A golden rule in the quest for a good roommate relationship is always asking before you use. Whatever it is that may seem mutual make sure you always ask the owner before you start using it. the only exception to this rule is if they explicitly say that you can use the said item without requesting. Be mindful and be respectful of your roommate’s stuff and you are bound to avoid a lot of conflicts that arise from this particular minefield.

Address problems before they become too big

Small altercations act as fodder for a building hatred and spite. Whenever you and your roommate cross paths, make sure you handle the matter before others pile on it and it erupts on both of you. Such an argument can be hard to return from.

Treat your roommate as you’d like to be treated

This is also another important rule in the how-to-live-with-your-roommate rule book. If you don’t know how to relate with them, do only what you’d want reciprocated.

There is no shortcut

There is no easy way to be good friends with your roomie unless you chance upon someone that you go along perfectly with and even then, being roommates is like walking through a minefield, only this time, you know where the landmines are. Tread carefully and respectfully and you might end up building a relationship that will last for a lifetime.