I cannot tell you how many people ask me how I manage to live with guys. Whenever I tell someone about my living arrangement, I receive a blank stare followed by an astounded, "Oh my gosh, how???"
So I've compiled a little list of tips for peaceful cohabitation:
1. Accept that they're guys.
Guys make obscene noises, they drool over Victoria's Secret catalogs, and they watch a lot of ESPN. But God love them, that's just who they are. Try to be understanding of their quirks and they'll be less likely to make fun of your extensive hair care rituals and overflowing shoe collections.
2. You are their roommate, not their maid.
Although you may feel pressured to clean up after them, resist the temptation. They might not always clean up their messes right away, but they'll get to it eventually. Constantly cleaning up after them will only make them take advantage of your cleaning habits in the future.
3. Do not hook up with them!
I hope that this goes without saying, but this is a very important rule. Hooking up with roommates is never a good idea. Even if you think it won't be weird between the two of you, chances are it will be weird for the rest of your roommates. The best relationship you can have with them is a brother-sister relationship. Absolutely no hooking up!
4. Be considerate.
Guys do not want to watch chick flicks 24-7. They don't want to watch Bravo or TLC or really much of anything other than ESPN and the occasional comedy. If you really need your girly television and movie fix, I suggest having your own TV. They won't mind letting you indulge in a chick flick from time to time, but don't make it a habit.
5. Make your room a girl oasis.
Whenever I'm feeling burnt out on all the dude-ness in the apartment, I retreat to my room. First of all, it's pink and bright yellow and covered in flowers and my favorite art prints. I'm not an extremely girly type of girl, but my room makes me happy and relaxed. It's testosterone free. I turn on Bravo or a chick flick or listen to some girly pop music. The best part is that my room is the furthest away from the rest of the living area. I can completely shut out the testosterone-infested apartment and just relax.
6. Have your own bathroom.
Guys are notorious for having poor cleaning habits when it comes to bathrooms. Not to mention they always leave the seat up. If possible, try to have your own bathroom. It will be much easier for you to share everything else in the apartment if you know that you can have a clean bathroom with all of your hair and makeup products spread out. I share a bathroom with my brother, mainly because I don't feel badly when I yell at him about being a slob. I've been yelling at him for years, so he's used to it.
So that's my list. It's a working list, so it's definitely bound to change as this year goes on.
What are your tips for living with guys, or just difficult roommates in general? Any good horror stories? I'd love to compare!
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