Despite how close you might be with your roommate, living with another person can be tough. Conflict is bound to arise, which ultimately leads to unwanted tension and an awkward and difficult conversation further down the road.
So to minimize the damage and remain cordial, here are some tips on how to break up with your roomie.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
Whether you’re moving to a new city for a job or simply parting ways because of irreconcilable differences, ending a relationship with your roommate isn’t easy. Don’t be too hard on yourself if the conversation doesn’t go according to plan. It’s a difficult conversation, so even if you stutter or tear up, let it all out (you don’t want any loose ends!).
Write out what you want to say
Writing out what you want to say will give you more time to flesh out and organize your thoughts. Plus, you’ll approach the conversation with more confidence.
Have the conversation face to face
Talking in person allows you to communicate with body language and better navigate the conversation based on their reactions. Whatever you do, don’t text them. Conversations over text can lead to misunderstandings and add more tension to an already difficult situation.
Tell the whole truth (but spare the person’s feelings if necessary)
Don’t offer any hope or promises you can’t fulfill. More importantly, don’t sugarcoat what needs to be said. By telling the truth, both parties are able to fully understand one another, which makes it more likely to end on good terms. This doesn’t mean you should be rude and point fingers — if need be, ask your roomie if she needs help finding another roommate. The extra effort will show that you want to remain cordial.
The nerves will be there, but speak anyway
If you wait for the “right” time to have the conversation, it’s never going to happen. And if you drag it out for too long, you might miss the chance to keep the relationship on good terms.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
