Guest Post

5 Ways to Cope With Bad Roommates

Dealing with a bad roommate can be frustrating, especially when you consider the fact that you’re typically stuck with them at least until your lease agreement or contract runs its course. 

If you’re stuck with an unpleasant roomie, the good news is that you don’t have to throw up your hands in despair and start using lines of masking tape to divide every inch of your space down the middle. Consider these less dramatic tips and tricks to help cope with your situation instead.

1. Make an Effort to Bond

First and foremost, it’s always worth making a meaningful effort to bond with someone before you truly move on to damage control measures. If you haven’t really had a chance to bond with your roommate, look for ways to connect. You can try:

• Creating habits and rituals that you do together each morning or evening.
• Speaking to them in complementary, uplifting, and positive ways.
• Offering to do an activity together like working out or go to the movies.
• Practicing active listening and actually letting them know that they’re being heard by you.

2. Take Control of Your Environment

If you’re still struggling to connect, consider making efforts in an area where you have a little bit more control: your environment.

If a roomie is stressing you out, make sure to address other elements in your surroundings that may be doing the same. Spend time cleaning and decluttering your space. Consider using an essential oil diffuser. Get some houseplants like aloe vera, English ivy, or lavender, all of which are specifically known for helping to destress a space.

3. Take Control of Your Lifestyle

Along with your surroundings, make an effort to remain in control of your lifestyle. Just because you’re cohabitating with someone doesn’t mean they have to dictate how you go about your day. 

One easy way to stay in the driver’s seat is to take the time to plan your meals. Find a healthy diet, like Paleo or Keto, that you can maintain and then dive into the adventure of learning to cook diet-friendly meals at home.

4. Get Some Distance

Sometimes all you need is a little space to keep a relationship copasetic. If you find that a roommate is driving you crazy, don’t hesitate to create a little distance. If retreating to a bedroom or quiet space within your home isn’t an option, head into the great outdoors and go for a walk. This isn’t just good for your relationship, it’s also a great way for you to stay healthy in mind, spirit, body, and soul.

5. Get Away

Finally, if you find that you really do need some space, consider going for a trip every once in a while. There are plenty of other factors that make this an excellent option as well. It can provide you with a chance to visit family, reconnect with old friends, or benefit from some of the health benefits associated with travel. 

Work With What You Have

The next time you feel like bailing on a roommate just because they’re difficult, make sure to look for ways to keep the relationship going. Sometimes this shift in your attitude can be all it takes to turn a bad situation into a good one.

Even if that isn’t the case, though, having coping mechanisms like these available can be a great way to get through periods of time where you’re stuck with a bad roommate until that next lease agreement rolls around.