If choosing a roommate is in your hand, then dealing with them is not an issue. However, things go wrong when you have to deal with a difficult roommate. This can be both uncomfortable as well as challenging, but there are ways you can apply to deal with roommates.
Break the barrier and talk
Isolating yourself is not the right way to deal with a difficult roommate. Instead, you should approach your roommate and talk about the issues you face. Communication can be a better solution than showing your aggressive side. Talking to each other will ease out the tension and will also help you to know each other better. Whether you are a college student or share a room with your staff, communication can reduce the stress level between you. You can prepare a list of the issues and then discuss it with your roommate. Be polite while you discuss the issues with your roommate, as this will prevent any confrontation. If you are rude while you talk to your friend, then the conversation will lead nowhere and it will also increase the stress level. If you see any adverse reaction coming from the other side, then it is better to talk when your roommate is in a good mood.
Set the schedule and the rules straight
Even if you two have been staying together for long, it is not late to set the boundaries or a common schedule. Both of you can agree on things like bedtime, setting of alarm clock, time to put off the lights, inviting guests, especially the opposite sex, and even about borrowing clothes. This will hinder both of you from acting roughly in each otherâs presence. This step might seem to be a little weird, but it is a lot helpful in adverse situations between roommates. Make sure that your roommate understands that both of you have to stay there together, so give your roommate a clear knowledge of the schedule and the rules that he or she should follow. If the problem still persists, then you can call in your landlord for sorting out the issue.
Make a flexible schedule and respect each otherâs schedule
Adjustment from both ends is the best way to sort out issues between you and your roommate, so it is good to make a flexible schedule. You should respect your roommateâs schedule, especially when you have different working hours. Give each other some time to relax and do not do things, which can disturb the other one. This will make your bond stronger and you will get along with your roommate easily. This is especially helpful when roommates are of different nature. For instance, one might prefer isolation and the other is too social. In such a case, one should give space to the other and adjust their work according to the otherâs schedule. When you roommate is doing his part of the job, do not do things to bother him or her. If you find that your roommate does not have time to carry out a job, then try to adjust the timetable accordingly.
Divide the chores
Daily chores are one of the biggest reasons behind tension and fights among roommates. If the same thing is happening between you two, then it is better to divide the chores. This can be pretty hard if your roommate is messy. However, a weekly chart to divide cleaning task between you and your roommate can be very helpful. Talk with your roommate about the chart and then divide all the chores from cleaning the bathroom to washing the dishes between you and your roommate. This will evade the daily clashes and the chores will be done easily. Make sure that you distribute the work equally and ask your roommate to follow the chart. When each of you knows the work you have to do, then there is less chances of a clash.
Have a backup plan
Always think of a way to escape in adverse situations. If your roommate is too annoying, then you must have a backup plan for getting away at the right time. Instead of showing your anger, it is better to go out or spend some time somewhere else. You can call up your friend and can spend some time away from your roommate. Sometimes, taking a break will reduce your stress and will give some space to you. A backup plan can help you to stay calm and give you some time to ponder over the problems and also find out a way to avoid them in future. Whenever you feel the stress getting over you, use a backup plan to get you out of the situation.
