Living with someone can be a wonderful experience, or it can be a waking nightmare. The in-between land seems hard to come by. Even the small annoyances that can come from spending too much time with someone, can take on a wild amplified effect when experienced with a roommate. It’s just that sharing of the living quarters part of things. And if someone is enacting havoc, well, then the game is really on. And in that game, nobody seems to ever really come out a winner either. These signposts do however point toward being the unwanted roommate. Which is really a title that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
1. Letting your dishes “soak”
Everyone knows someone who claims soaking the dishes makes them easier to clean. Piling up dirty dishes makes the kitchen messy and uninviting. Over time, it can attract bugs and create unpleasant smells.
2. Hogging the bathroom
Spending too much time in the bathroom, especially during busy mornings, can frustrate everyone else in the house. Simple things like being mindful of schedules or letting others know when you need extra time can make living together smoother.
3. Bringing guests over without notice
No roommate wants to be caught off guard in their dinosaur pajamas. Surprise visitors might make roommates feel uncomfortable or intrude on their personal space. Giving a heads-up shows respect and helps everyone feel more at ease in their home.
4. Borrowing things without asking
Taking clothes, food, or other items without permission can make roommates feel disrespected. Clear communication and asking first prevent unnecessary conflict.
5. Leaving lights on
Forgetting to turn off lights might seem minor, but it can be annoying and increase electricity bills. If you’re splitting the energy bill, make sure to kill the lights to keep your other roommates happy.
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6. Not cleaning up after meals
It might not seem like a big deal, but leaving behind crumbs or protein powder can make the kitchen seem filthy. Give the counters and table a quick wipe down after use to appease your roommates.
7. Being chronically late on rent or bills
Not paying your share on time can create financial stress and strain relationships. Planning ahead and communicating if there’s a delay can ease some stress on both parties in the house.
8. Hoarding shared spaces
Taking over the living room or kitchen cabinets with your stuff makes the space feel cramped. Sharing space fairly helps everyone feel comfortable and respected in their home.
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9. Smoking indoors
Unless you’ve cleared it with everyone in the house that it’s cool to smoke indoors, it’s best to avoid it. Smoking inside can leave lingering odors and affect the health of your roommates. Stepping outside for a smoke shows consideration for others.
10. Having strong or lingering odors
Things like burning incense or strong personal smells can make shared spaces unpleasant. Being aware of how your scent affects others can improve your relationships with your roommates.
11. Leaving your laundry in the machine
There should be a rule that if you leave your laundry in the machine for more than 24 hours, it becomes fair game. If you do laundry in a shared machine, do everyone else a favor and make it timely.
12. Ignoring noise rules
Playing music, talking loudly, or stomping at inconvenient hours disrupts others’ routines. Being aware of noise levels, especially at night, and asking your roommate what they’re schedule is like the next day can save a relationship.
13. Leaving uncovered food in the fridge
I genuinely don’t understand how people think it’s sanitary to leave an uncovered plate in the fridge. Do yourself and everyone else you live with a favor and invest in some Tupperware; this way, your fridge doesn’t smell like a McDonald’s.
14. Being inconsiderate with shared furniture or items
If you break something that’s someone else’s, you buy it. Damaging or misusing things everyone shares shows a lack of respect. Treating shared property carefully keeps everyone happy.
15. Leaving hair everywhere
Leaving shavings in the sink or hair in the shower drain should be punishable by death. Please don’t force your roommates to clean up your hair for you; do it yourself.
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Check out 15 Endangered Animals That Need Our Help, or take a look at 20 Reasons Blue-Collar Jobs Are Growing. Finally, if you want to see reasons men get dumped, check out Common Reasons Men Get Dumped In Relationships.
