According to the U.S. Census, more than 32% of Americans live with a roommate
As rent prices reach staggering heights, the number of people living with someone is only expected to rise. While living with a roommate may be an economically conscious decision, living with someone who is problematic to say the least may not be worth the bargain.
Many may find themselves living with a bad roommate and feeling trapped. The good news is you can take charge and restore the peace within your home and environment. If you found yourself in this rather unfortunate situation, continue reading our tips on how to deal with a bad roommate, and finally put an end to the conflict.
How to deal with a bad roommate
- Set rules
As soon as you move in together, ground rules should be implemented to create a comfortable living arrangement for everyone involved. Knowing what agitates each other can help avoid unpleasant circumstances, and that in it self is a great starting point that can set the foundation for a happy household. Assign responsibilities and stick to them!
- Pick and choose your battles
Living with a roommate will not always be rainbows and sunshine, you should prepare yourself for that if you’re just planning to move in with someone, or you will be in for a rude awakening. With that said, it is important to choose your battles and don’t let everything get to you.
Some situations are just not worth a confrontation or even a possible argument. At the same time, you have to be understanding and not expect your roommate to walk on eggshells just because you’re in a bad mood.
- Confront the situation
If there is an ongoing tension between you and your roommate, you should be direct and confront the situation right away. Don’t procrastinate in order to avoid a possibly unpleasant situation, after all nobody wants to be told they’re doing something wrong.
But the longer you wait, the harder it will be to address the situation.Don’t approach your roommate with aggression, but certainly don’t beat around the bush, address the situation head-on. Explain to your roommate what’s bothering you and give a concise explanation as to why.
Be confident and stand your ground. Chances are your roommate may not even be aware of what is bothering you. Discuss it and decide whether the situation is salvageable or if you will have to part ways.
- Be a bigger person
There may be instances when your roommate is in the wrong and they know they’re in the wrong but are being childish and not willing to reach an amicable solution. If the situation is not severe, don’t get angry and frustrated, but rather be the bigger person and let it go, this time.
It is not to say you’re giving your roommate the freedom to say and act however they please, especially if it affects you negatively. But it is saying you’re willing to let it go because you don’t have time for petty arguments. People are not perfect, and if you know your roommate to normally be on their best behavior, let it go this time, and move on from the situation.
- Move out
If you tried to reach an amicable solution with your roommate, all to no avail, it may be best just to move out. Some people have extremely difficult personalities, and no matter how hard you try, just cannot be reasoned with.
If you sense that your roommate is not willing to budge and just doesn’t have the personality of someone who will make an effort, find another roommate!And since an estimated 32% of Americans live with roommates, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding someone else to live with.
At the end of the day, the decision you make has to be for your greater good. It may be hard to part with the perfect apartment in a great neighborhood, but if your sanity is at stake, it is best to take yourself out of a negative situation that is draining you energetically.