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Sharing the space you live in with anyone can be super rewarding, but it can also be challenging, especially when it is with someone you didn't grow up with, has a different background from you and different likes, dislikes and standards.
Differences in personality and habits come out when you are living with another person. At the same time, people’s good qualities come out too. With open communication and mutual respect, you can live harmoniously with someone else, and enjoy the benefits of sharing your space with another person.
Communicate openly and honestly with your roommate
According to Boston.com, it's all about getting to know the other person and understanding where they are coming from. If you do that, you will be able to be flexible to their needs and they will be able to be flexible with yours. It will also help you feel more comfortable with them and be able to communicate honestly and openly, which is key.
Part of that communication and honesty is being able to create rules and guidelines together. The Vox reports that creating these rules will allow you to know what is important for each person and help you create an environment of compromise. Although you don't agree on everything, which makes sense, this kind of environment helps create healthy negotiation and allows you to get on the same page with each other. Each one of you is important and your needs and wants should be taken into consideration. If you are honest with each other, you can get to an agreement and commit to keeping it.
Respect each other and share the load
You and your roommate may come from different countries, cultures, maybe even speak different languages. At the very least, you grew up in different houses and are used to different things. A blog on Education First recommends you take the time to know each other and make the conscious decision to respect each other.
Part of mutual respect is making sure you are each doing your part and sharing the load. Household responsibilities should be shared, and although this could be part of the rules and guidelines you create together, it all has to come from a place of respect. Respect the other’s personal space, their schedule and remember that sharing is caring. Being empathetic to your roommate goes a long way.
It is true that living with a roommate requires effort on both sides. It might not come naturally to you, but with some rules, respect and empathy, you can do it. Sharing your living space with another person, as different from you as they might be, can be super fulfilling and bring joy to your life, and to theirs.
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