Steps to Being a Good Roommate from Schmeg.com

   

ROOMMATE RELATIONSHIPS

Helpful Hints for Resolving Conflicts

No matter how hard you try, you will probably experience some communication breakdown with your potential roommate. You may notice the problem because it’s very obvious to you, or you might get the hint that there's a problem because of the changes in the way your roommate behaves toward you. Before you have a serious conflict on your hand, sit down and start with open and honest communication. Here are a few pointers:

1. Get everyone who is involved in the conflict together.

2. Each roommate should take a turn describing his or her perception of the

problem.

3. Come to an agreement on what the conflict is.

4. Everyone should agree to collaborate and help develop a solution.

5. Talk about what changes need to be made to bring about the solution.

6. Together, make a plan of action which will accomplish these goals and set a

time frame for these changes. List very specifically what changes will be

made and by who. If necessary, create a chart to hang on the fridge or the

bathroom.

7. It is important that everyone commit to the plan. Everyone involved should

have to make an comparable number of changes. It is a problem if one

roommate is making all of the changes.

8. Remember, if the situation seems too difficult for you to handle by yourself, you can always seek outside help.

Also see.....Internet to Find a Roommate