If rent takes a huge chunk of your monthly income, then we can assume you’re living with a roommate or (heaven forbid) multiple roommates in a crammed space.
Whether your roommates are your college BFFs or some random people you found on Craigslist, it’s likely that at some point tensions will run high and you’ll have to deal with some conflict.
Paying bills on time, sharing the cost of expenses, moderating noise levels, dividing cleaning duties, inviting guests into the home…there are a plethora of issues that could lead to drama.
Here are a five ways to keep your peace of mind while dealing with roommate conflict:
Set boundaries and communicate them.
This will help you keep a sense of peace in your home and in your head. Know the things you can agree to disagree on and let go of versus the things that are absolute deal breakers. Draw the line on issues that you feel strongly and ask your roommates to do the same so you both can be on the same page.
Find quiet hours.
A great way to deal with roommate tensions is to take time to yourself. Find a quiet time when no one is home to pull away. Light a candle. Play some music. Let your house/apartment feel like home…your home. #treatyoself
Have someone outside of your house/apartment to vent to.
This is vital. Let’s say you don’t get along with one of your roommates and you find yourself venting to a different roommate. While it’s easy to fall into this trap, this may not be beneficial for a healthy, peaceful living environment. To avoid creating further drama or tension, take your concerns and issues to a trusted friend, outside of your apartment. This person can offer you a listening ear and some much needed objective perspective.
Learn to forgive.
When conflict arises between you and a roommate, forgive and learn to do it quickly. A roommate may offend you or do something you asked them not to (intentionally or unintentionally). Regardless, you are living with them. It’s easiest to communicate your frustrations and boundaries (refer to tip 1) if you can let go of hurt feelings and see things from a more logical perspective.
Take time away.
A change of scenery can be an excellent way of dealing with roommate conflict. When you live with roommates, you are dealing with different personalities, quirks, backgrounds, cleaning habits, noise tolerances, and sleeping schedules. We get it — it can be a lot. Taking a break for a weekend or even an evening can give you a necessary breath of fresh air and some time to clear your head.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
