Q&A for How to Be a Good Roommate

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What are the qualities of a good roommate?

Desiree Panlilio
Teen Life Coach
Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University.

Desiree Panlilio

Teen Life Coach

Expert Answer

A good roommate respects the other person's boundaries and triggers. They also make an effort to communicate when any issues come up.

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Question

What is proper roommate etiquette?

Desiree Panlilio
Teen Life Coach
Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University.

Desiree Panlilio

Teen Life Coach

Expert Answer

Proper roommate etiquette involves setting clear boundaries and rules. Let the other person know what kind of things bother you, and be honest and open when any problems arise.

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Question

When is the right time to talk with my roommate?

Community Answer

That really depends on what you want to talk about. As a general rule, striking up a conversation works best when your roommate isn't about to rush off somewhere or engrossed in schoolwork. Choose a time when she looks relaxed and available.

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Question

What if my roomate is rude?

Community Answer

Kill 'em with kindness. Be polite, but distant. Alternatively, you could ask your roommate if he minds sitting down for a talk and talk about how your relationship seems to be going. It's in both your best interests to get along.

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Question

How can I start repairing a poor relationship with a roommate? What if they try to bother me intentionally or unintentionally?

Community Answer

You could start by apologizing to him/her for anything you have done to them. Try surprising them with a gift now and then. Offer to do things they like with them. If they are bothering you intentionally, politely ask them to stop. If they are doing it unintentionally, tell them that you are bothered by their actions.

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How do I tell a roommate that I am gay or how do I know if/when I should?

Community Answer

Many might say that you should tell them up front, but you should see how they feel about gay people first. If your relationship is good enough, your sexual orientation won't change the atmosphere.

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Question

How do you tell your roommate that they are texting you too much?

Community Answer

Just be honest with them and tell them it is distracting to get so many texts. Tell them you can talk about stuff when you are both home.

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Question

What is the golden rule mentioned by the poster?

Community Answer

Treat others how you want to be treated.

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Question

What if my friends don't like me because I don't understand them?

Community Answer

Communication is key. If there's something you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask. You will avoid many misunderstandings if you keep an open line of communication.

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Question

What do I do when they decide they want to be selfish and discriminate against my sexual orientation and who I have over?

Community Answer

It's really none of their business as you do pay half the rent. If it really bothers you, find another place to stay.

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Question

How I will know if my roomate is not happy staying with me?

TeaOnFire

Community Answer

You can just ask them, or try to see if they are fidgety or distant when you are together in your room, or if they won't bring others into your room.

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Question

How do I handle a roommate who calls the police on every single thing and there's no violent behavior?

Community Answer

Politely ask them to stop. If this doesn't work, the police will eventually get tired of coming for every single thing.

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Question

How do I tell my roommate that she's in my personal space too much?

Community Answer

I would recommend just suggesting to her that you're feeling a little claustrophobic lately and would like some time and space to yourself to rejuvenate. Hopefully she will get the hint and back off a little bit.

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Question

How can I get my roommate to wash dishes in hot water?

Community Answer

Are the dishes not coming clean? If so, just say something like, "Could you please soak the dishes first or use hot water when you're washing them so that they come out clean?"

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Question

How to tell your roommate to stop spending so much time in the shared bathroom?

Kc E

Community Answer

A closed mouth doesn't get fed. Just be open let them know. Tell them exactly how you are feeling, especially given that it is a shared bathroom.

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