My only two roommate situations are/were very close/best friend situations.
The first one was OK, but ended up souring due to where we could afford to move to after the lease was up. Similar to another thread, our respective income level disparity was quite large and I wanted a place he couldn't afford. It cause tension, and in the end, we went our separate ways. We didn't speak for a few months, but have since been back on good terms.
My current roommate is another really good friend of mine. We are practically on "help hide a dead hooker" terms, so there isn't too much of a need for ground rules and, for the most part, we have the same philosophy on cleaning (CLEAN UP YOUR SHIT). In this case as well, our income levels were a lot different...we were previously at the same level at one company, but I had just taken a position with a considerable pay increase. I love the guy to death, but in general, he's a cheap skate. When discussing furniture, he was always looking on Craigslist. I was always like
I really had an idea of what I wanted the place to look like furnished, so after some back and forth, I just went ahead and bought everything myself from the stores I wanted. I didn't want to step on his toes or anything, but I was ultimately just like, "dude...I already bought X, Y, and Z things, don't worry about it." He didn't have to pay for anything and I got the look I wanted.
As far as cleaning is concerned...I tell people that "he's clean, but he doesn't clean". I'd say for every 5 times I clean the common area (kitchen, living room, etc.), he's done it 0.75 times. It irked in the past, but ultimately, I clean for myself, not for anyone else. If he wants to help, fine...if he doesn't, fine.
Moving in with a friend can be tricky....it's almost like getting into a relationship with the person and you have to learn to live with their quirks and them yours. I've found that things can get passive aggressive REAL QUICK and that's good for no one. Remember to speak your mind about things that TRULY bother you (but don't be a nag), but also remember to really listen to their concerns if they have any. In the end, it's the only way you're gonna get through it.
The first one was OK, but ended up souring due to where we could afford to move to after the lease was up. Similar to another thread, our respective income level disparity was quite large and I wanted a place he couldn't afford. It cause tension, and in the end, we went our separate ways. We didn't speak for a few months, but have since been back on good terms.
My current roommate is another really good friend of mine. We are practically on "help hide a dead hooker" terms, so there isn't too much of a need for ground rules and, for the most part, we have the same philosophy on cleaning (CLEAN UP YOUR SHIT). In this case as well, our income levels were a lot different...we were previously at the same level at one company, but I had just taken a position with a considerable pay increase. I love the guy to death, but in general, he's a cheap skate. When discussing furniture, he was always looking on Craigslist. I was always like
I really had an idea of what I wanted the place to look like furnished, so after some back and forth, I just went ahead and bought everything myself from the stores I wanted. I didn't want to step on his toes or anything, but I was ultimately just like, "dude...I already bought X, Y, and Z things, don't worry about it." He didn't have to pay for anything and I got the look I wanted.As far as cleaning is concerned...I tell people that "he's clean, but he doesn't clean". I'd say for every 5 times I clean the common area (kitchen, living room, etc.), he's done it 0.75 times. It irked in the past, but ultimately, I clean for myself, not for anyone else. If he wants to help, fine...if he doesn't, fine.
Moving in with a friend can be tricky....it's almost like getting into a relationship with the person and you have to learn to live with their quirks and them yours. I've found that things can get passive aggressive REAL QUICK and that's good for no one. Remember to speak your mind about things that TRULY bother you (but don't be a nag), but also remember to really listen to their concerns if they have any. In the end, it's the only way you're gonna get through it.
Not Quite. But honestly, the concept of how well you got to know eachother's little oddities really hit home after the long while.
