Roommate Etiquette
During today's economy, it can be tough to survive.
One way to deal with the cost of living is by getting a roommate.
However, there are some things you should do to make this a win-win situation for both of you.
Visit your potential roommate's home Choosing to conduct your interview at your potential roommate's place of residence will grant you the opportunity to find out more about who they are and how they live their lives.
While you are interviewing your potential roommate, you should be paying attention to your emotional state, also.
Does it appear you have found the right person although you are suspicious about their personality? Is their residence fresh and clean? Or does it seem as if they have just cleaned for the first time in weeks? Do a background check It would be nice if you could take your potential roommate's word for who they say they are.
However, it is a wise decision to check their criminal background record.
Doing so can save you grief and pain in the future.
Family and friends may stretch the truth in an effort to help their loved ones.
As this may be your only chance to find out about their activities before allowing them to move in.
During the interview Ask your potential roommate lots of questions.
By the end of the interview, you should know why they are looking for a roommate.
Did their spouse walk off on them and they could no longer afford to pay the bills or did they recently become unemployed.
You should also know how long they will need to live with you.
Living together You should like and be able to get along with your roommate.
They should be good at dealing with children if they live in the home.
Single people should have single roommates in order to feel comfortable in the home.
Show your roommate around the house once they arrive.
Introduce them to the rest of the household members.
Let them know which rooms are off limits and when and if they can use certain equipment or utilities in the home.
You should also discuss what they are to do when company comes over and what they should do during family gatherings.
Many roommates argue over food.
To avoid this problem, they should be responsible for their own refrigerator and groceries.
Rent and utility payments should be discussed in advance.
Deciding to become intimate To consenting adults have the right to have sex together as long as it is safe and no one gets hurt.
But, it can ruin the friendship and ultimately have you looking for a new roommate before you are prepared for them to move out.
Moving on If you are planning to get married or for any other reason no longer would like a roommate, you should inform your roommate of such a thing in advance.
They will need time to make other living arrangements.
One way to deal with the cost of living is by getting a roommate.
However, there are some things you should do to make this a win-win situation for both of you.
Visit your potential roommate's home Choosing to conduct your interview at your potential roommate's place of residence will grant you the opportunity to find out more about who they are and how they live their lives.
While you are interviewing your potential roommate, you should be paying attention to your emotional state, also.
Does it appear you have found the right person although you are suspicious about their personality? Is their residence fresh and clean? Or does it seem as if they have just cleaned for the first time in weeks? Do a background check It would be nice if you could take your potential roommate's word for who they say they are.
However, it is a wise decision to check their criminal background record.
Doing so can save you grief and pain in the future.
Family and friends may stretch the truth in an effort to help their loved ones.
As this may be your only chance to find out about their activities before allowing them to move in.
During the interview Ask your potential roommate lots of questions.
By the end of the interview, you should know why they are looking for a roommate.
Did their spouse walk off on them and they could no longer afford to pay the bills or did they recently become unemployed.
You should also know how long they will need to live with you.
Living together You should like and be able to get along with your roommate.
They should be good at dealing with children if they live in the home.
Single people should have single roommates in order to feel comfortable in the home.
Show your roommate around the house once they arrive.
Introduce them to the rest of the household members.
Let them know which rooms are off limits and when and if they can use certain equipment or utilities in the home.
You should also discuss what they are to do when company comes over and what they should do during family gatherings.
Many roommates argue over food.
To avoid this problem, they should be responsible for their own refrigerator and groceries.
Rent and utility payments should be discussed in advance.
Deciding to become intimate To consenting adults have the right to have sex together as long as it is safe and no one gets hurt.
But, it can ruin the friendship and ultimately have you looking for a new roommate before you are prepared for them to move out.
Moving on If you are planning to get married or for any other reason no longer would like a roommate, you should inform your roommate of such a thing in advance.
They will need time to make other living arrangements.
