“My roommate is such a slob!”
“My roommate is such a neat freak!”
“My roommate……” I’ll leave the last one open. Each roommate has a defining trait about them that every other roommate notices. Sometimes it’s obvious, and other times it isn’t. I’m going to list off five of the most common types of roommates and how to deal with them. Is there more than five? I’m sure there is, but most of those others could be a subset of these five. That being said hopefully this will be helpful to those who need help.
TYPE 1: SLOB
No one ever admits to being the slob. Are they still? Yes. Varying degrees do exist like leaving the room somewhat messy, or so bad the floor can’t even be seen. How to survive with a slob, that is always a challenge.
My first piece of advice is to stay clean. The roommate will see that the opposite side of the room looks so much better than their own. That’ll help them see that maybe they need to change something.
Secondly never nag them about cleaning. They are adults, if they want to be a slob then fine be the bigger person. Soon they’ll realize living in a sty isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
My last tip, don’t clean for them. Their mom is back home. If they don’t know how to clean up after themselves, they will struggle and it’ll be their own fault. Mothering is not a requirement of a roommate.
TYPE 2: NEAT FREAK
We are going to go the opposite way now. Neat freaks are nice, but sometimes can be a little much to handle. Constantly cleaning then complaining that they do all the cleaning. It’s a pain in the neck.
First off, like the slob, don’t get on their case. The apartments clean; that’s no reason to get angry. When they complain about cleaning all the time say that other cleaning does get done. Ask if there’s anything that hasn’t been cleaned. Helping out will no longer give the neat freak to complain.
Next, just because they enjoy everything neat and orderly doesn’t make anyone else a slob. Some are just more oriented toward perfection than others, and that’s okay. Cleanliness is still obtainable without being so crazy about it.
Lastly, if nothing else works, just ignore them. Do the chores that have been assigned even if it’s already been done. If they start nagging about how it’s already been done. Claim ignorance and leave. It’s better to just not get into it.
TYPE 3: COUCH POTATO
We all have those days, especially during finals week, when we just want to relax on the couch and watch T.V, Netiflix binge, or read a book. This isn’t about that. This is about those who seem constantly glued to the couch. Always laying claim to the T.V, with no regards to anyone else.
If it’s truly that much of an annoyance, simply take the remote and hide it while they are in the bathroom or in class. Lets face it in this day and age it’s easier to just not watch T.V then to be constantly getting up to change the volume or the channel.
If that isn’t needed then maybe just suggest a roommate movie night. Or invite them out to do something. Even if it’s just relaxing on the quad it’s still better than them vegging out on the couch.
If all else fails, just leave them. They’ll come to find that there is a more exciting life than whatever sitcom is on at that particular moment.
TYPE 4: PARTIER
Coming in and out during the wee hours of the morning. Strange members of the opposite (or same) sex following them to their room, while you wonder what the heck just happened. Having them scream because they have lost their hearing at whatever party they were at.
TYPE 5: THE HERMIT
Does this roommate actually exist? That is yet to be determined. Their door is closed all of the time, and we aren’t quite sure if they are in there or not. Often times thoughts of having a hermit roommate are, “Is there a portal to another dimension (Narnia) in their room?” or “How do you survive? I don’t think you have come out to eat in a week.”
TYPE 6: THE CAT
When was the last time they were home? Better yet, why are they paying rent here if they spend 90% of their time out of the apartment? Where do they shower? There are too many questions associated with “The Cat” that they will never answer. In the end “The Cat” is a pretty chill roommate who goes about doing their own thing.
Taylor Funk
Blog Editor – Aggie Radio
