Are you a good roommate?

For those of you who have been with the blog for a little bit, you definitely know that I’m taking a valiant stab at having an apartment with my gloriously wonderful roommate (housemate?), Beth. I think we’re having a lovely time, to be certain, but there are definitely some things that make one roommate than others.

Don’t go in my room.

I think this is kind of self-explanatory, but you’d be surprised how many of my friends think that their roommates are in their space. I would never think of going into the only part of the house that is completely and totally theirs, and I would assume that they’d give me the same courtesy. Plus, my room is gross. Not that I’m terribly filthy, but it’s not exactly as tidy. I don’t know why anyone would watnt to go in there anyway (except me, of course!)

It’s good to share.

There is nothing worse than a stingy roommate. I’m talking about the person who doesn’t want you to lay a finger on that which is theirs ever. Y’know, it’s nice when you know someone who is willing to lend you a nail polish, or a necklace, or some printer paper, or their bag of chips. It’s welcoming and friendly. At the same time, this a two-way street. Don’t be that person who takes and takes and doesn’t give.

Keep it clean.

The house needs to be at least a little clean, or you’ll get pests (think mice, fruit flies). It’s really great if you can manage to split that responsibility evenly. A big part of this is simply cleaning up after yourself. Oh, and also keep yourself clean. Like…bathe. That’s important.

Having some friends over?

I’ve never personally had a problem with this, but it’s really nice if you could give me a heads up when you’re going to party in the apartment. This goes especially for boyfriends (or girlfriends) who are spending the night. It’s really nice to get some advance notice about that.

Be friends.

It’s nice to have a friend who is with you whenever you need them, or whenever they need you. Build this relationship, because these are the kinds of friends you will be friends with forever. My mom is still besties with her roommates from college. At the same time, a little space is fantastic. Don’t forget to have a life outside of the apartment too. You don’t want to be so close that you hate each other.

A rare photo of both of us. Note: height is not to scale.

I like my roommate a lot. We’re close. I hope you guys can find good roomies too!