28 Aug 2020

Housemates are an intricate relationship. A relationship that can be similar to dating.

Sometimes you can like the person but just not be into them that way. Sometimes you can love them in the beginning before realising they drive you up the wall. Sometimes you're lucky and they're just unrealllll! 

Sometimes, you wonder if you've just gone on a date with the devils' spawn. But seriously, this is a quick message to one of my ex-housemates. In what world is it okay to eat all my food?!?! Only the devil would vibe with such grotesque behaviour...

Anyways, like any person you date, you're gonna wanna make sure that you align with each other where it matters! Here are the main ones I take into consideration when moving in with someone!

How clean are they?

Unless you're Shrek and can live in a swamp, using your earwax to make a candle, you're probably not going to vibe with a messy roommate. Rubbish, stains and dirty dishes are not a vibe so look out for their cleanliness habits!

If you're a neat freak which is fine, really make sure you live with people who regularly clean the space or else you just won't feel comfortable!

Do they like to party?

If you want a place that you can host pre-drinks and kick-ons at and keep an array of beers and ciders in the fridge, you're gonna want to look for housemates who share that interest. 

If you'd rather poke your eardrums out than have to listen to people party all night and want a quiet and cozy place to call home, look for likeminded roommates!

Are they easygoing?

Now, I'm pretty easygoing. I understand that sometimes a housemate can be in a rush in the morning and leave the kitchen looking like a pig sty. I also get that sometimes, they might need to use a bit of my cheese because they've run out! I gel incredibly well with housemates that share this easy-breezy quality as sometimes I'm the one who has left the kitchen revolting or borrowed some of their cheese.

On the flip side, I have lived with one incredible high maintenance individual. If I so much as left a cup in the living room or some sand in the shower, I might as well have been committed to a lifelong sentence. This was a difficult roommate to have but probably perfect for other people! See, it really is just like dating! There's a roommate for everyone.

Are they productive and proactive?

As the goddess, Hannah Montana once sang: "Nobody's Perfect". Amen sister. But... I've lived with housemates who would never pay their share of bills. I've lived with housemates who never ever ever washed their dishes or helped clean the space. What I mean by being productive and proactive is basically... do they have their life together somewhat? 

You don't want to be looking after another person! It's hard enough living out of home by yourself! 

Do you have any dividing interests?

I'm not saying you and your housemates have to be carbon copies of each other!

But for example, maybe you're allergic to dogs and your housemate has a puppy. Maybe you're vegan and would rather not live with people who eat meat!... Compromises can sometimes be made, but stay true to yourself if it's important!

Anyways! I'm off to hang out with my own housemates! They're unreal... see! I've mastered the art of finding good housemates and you will too!