My story: A Guide on being a better Co-Tenant

 Hey there fellow readers,

As we know many people go out of town, for studies and for a job. But for the first-timers, the experience of living away from home might be a bit challenging. As for a few peeps out there, who haven't left their home and suddenly they have too can be a bit hectic.

Consider yourself as a college student. You have completed all your schooling and junior college in your hometown. Now after 18-19 years, you will be stepping out for the first time away from home, away from the comfort zones, away from beloved parents. It is a hard pill to swallow at first for many. In this blog, I would want to share my experiences as a first-timer out-of-town traveler, and how I met some amazing co-tenants and maintained healthy friendships with them.

Back in 2019, when I first time traveled to live away from home at the age of 18, it was a bit heavy to go away from my friends and family. But as I grew habitual of living away with the constant support of talk back home, one surely mixes up nicely with other people though. You see, a man is a social animal. He cannot live alone, he makes friends. Make sure to make good friends out there.

Finding a place to live is one of the hardest things to do. There are PG (Paying Guests) Services, in which you are provided with wifi, food, a washing machine (common), and other amenities. There also comes an extra element that we will be focusing on, a roommate.

Living with a roommate can be a transformative experience, offering shared moments of laughter, learning, and support. Yet, it also presents a unique set of challenges and adjustments as individuals with diverse backgrounds and habits come together under one roof. The key to a thriving living situation lies in the art of harmonious co-living – a delicate balance of understanding, communication, and mutual respect.

During my first stint (as a college student of course), I met an amazing friend (Let's refer to him as R1). He was the one who used to talk well, we used to have busy nights talking about stuff and sharing insightful information. He worked in different fields, and mine was different so we used to discuss them too. Even we used to maintain complete silence if one of us is busy or asleep. That was some sort of mutual understanding. He was a working professional but taught me a few good things as well as gave me insights into what the corporate world is like. 

So a few things to mark from living with R1:

• One must have a mutual understanding between each other. You both are unknown to each other. You will be living with that person and make sure to live nicely.
• As a part of mutual understanding, if one of the room partners is sick or asleep, try and adjust accordingly to the situation; by making less noise or not turning on lights unnecessarily. If you have any urgent work, make proper arrangements, but make sure you do not disturb that person.
• Respecting each other is also important. Maintain your boundaries and be polite always. Make sure you do not hurt the person, with your words of course.

So I would like to gift this guy this gift:

No onto part 2, the bad part to be precise. Sometimes, you might get a person who lives like "My life, My rules" and one who does not even have an understanding of what trouble we are causing to other people. 

It is worth mentioning that 80% of the people living away tend to have a habit of smoking. If your room partner is a strict non-smoker, try not to kill him by means of passive smoking inside the room.

Here second person I would mention (let's call him R2) lacked this mutual understanding. That person was not a very adjusting type I would say. Turning on TV at high volumes even after your co-tenant is deep asleep is certainly not a thing to do I guess. Though one can watch at a bit lower volume too I presume. But some people certainly lack this mutual understanding.

Anyway, I reconciled with my former rommies and mixed up with them whenever I got the chance. To wrap this blog up, let's note down the conclusions:

 

• Reflecting on Your Personal Habits:

Living with a roommate necessitates self-awareness. Consider your daily routines, habits, and preferences. Are you an early riser or a night owl? Do you have specific study or work habits? Understanding your patterns can help in setting realistic expectations for yourself and your roommate.

• Defining Your Expectations:

Clarify your expectations for a living situation. Are you comfortable sharing certain items? What are your thoughts on visitors or overnight guests? Communicating these expectations openly and respectfully can avoid misunderstandings down the line.

• Establishing Communication Channels:

Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy roommate relationship. Create an environment where both parties feel comfortable discussing concerns or sharing thoughts. Regular check-ins or roommate meetings can be beneficial to address any emerging issues.

• Setting Boundaries:

Discuss and establish boundaries regarding personal space, sharing items, noise levels, guests, and more. It's crucial to communicate and respect each other's boundaries to maintain a comfortable living environment.

• Recognizing and Addressing Issues:

Be proactive in identifying and addressing conflicts as they arise. Whether it's about cleanliness, shared responsibilities, or differences in lifestyle, recognizing these issues early allows for timely resolution.

• Conflict Resolution Strategies:

Utilize techniques like active listening, compromise, and finding common ground to resolve conflicts amicably. In more complex situations, seeking mediation or involving a neutral third party might be necessary to find a fair solution.

• Balancing Chores and Responsibilities:

Divide household chores fairly and create a schedule or system that works for both roommates. This ensures that the responsibilities are shared equitably.

• Respecting Each Other's Differences:

Embrace and respect each other's differences in habits, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyle choices. Cultivate tolerance and understanding to create a harmonious living environment.

• Building a Positive Relationship:

Invest time in building a positive relationship with your roommate. Engage in shared activities or conversations beyond day-to-day living, fostering a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

• Celebrating Successes and Appreciation:

Recognize and celebrate each other's successes, no matter how small. Expressing gratitude and appreciation for your roommate's positive traits strengthens the bond and fosters a more enjoyable living experience.

So let us keep making new friends as for the ones who are going to venture into the new world for the first time and keep up good relationships with others. For the experienced peeps, they know how to thrive nicely with others.

Signing off...