For example, if your roommate is always hogging the living room and it keeps you from using the common area and TV, just talk about it. Don’t passive-aggressively make a lot of noise when you’re cooking nearby or pass through the room silently—just speak up, and maybe even turn it into time to sit and watch together instead of turning it into a fight.
Also don’t let someone walk all over you. If they’re not pulling their weight—whether in terms of cleaning, buying supplies or other things—speak up, and hopefully it will avoid awkward tension later if you’re open about issues.
That means being upfront if you notice someone is always leaving the bathroom a mess or if you’ve bought toilet paper for the past three times. Start, “Hey, I noticed...” or “would you pick up...” and likely, they won’t object.
Sometimes people just don’t notice. However, be careful with your tone. Being sarcastic won’t help anyone, and it will probably make them not want to help next time, or worse, ignore you altogether.
Alternatively, if none of you want to clean, talk about getting a monthly or bi-monthly cleaning service.
3. Be respectful about guests -- both regulars and those of the one-night variety. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, don’t let them just come over 24/7—especially if you live with more than one person. The more people in a small space, the more cramped it feels.
This isn’t to say that you have to ask permission, but just make sure you’re not adding a third (or fourth!) roommate who doesn’t pay rent or constantly having people come over and party without consulting your roomie(s) first. Have boundaries (or even loose “rules”) about guests and stick to them. There are exceptions, but that’s something to discuss with your apartment mates instead of just assuming it’s okay.
It’s all about communication—group texts are great for quick questions about friends coming to visit, a significant other staying a few days, parents in town, etc.
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