Monday, November 24, 2008

Roommate Gripes

In case you don't already know, my boyfriend and I live in the basement of a fairly large house with 3 other girls. He and I share the 2 rooms that we have transformed into our bedroom and tv room and there are 3 bedrooms upstairs on the 2nd floor. The common areas are the kitchen, dining room, upstairs living room, and the bathroom upstairs. There is a toilet in the basement but its just a toilet. My bf and I have our own entrance, cable, and internet down in the basement so we very rarely spend any length of time upstairs.

Living with 3 other people (my bf doesn't count, he's very easy to live with) is no easy task and I am not sure I have been handling it well. In short, i hate it here. You never really know a person until you live with them and I am really wishing I hadn't moved in with my friends because I see them in a whole new light. Here is a list of things that occur or have occurred that the bf and I whine about on an almost daily basis:

1. The kitchen is NEVER clean unless myself or my bf cleans it. There are always dishes in the sink that rarely belong to us, crust all over the table, counter, and stove, and cooking utensils left out. I don't think I would complain about it so much if there wasn't a GIANT dry erase board over the sink that says: wash dishes, keep sink and counter clear and clean, put away trash and food.

2. In the 3 and half months that I have been here I have been the only person to step up and clean the bathroom. Cleaning a bathroom for 4 people (again the bf doesn't count...he only uses it to shower) is soo not fun. Everyone I live with except for myself and booboo has long hair and it sheds...so it's all in the shower, on the floor, and around the sink. I have even discovered the plastic tampon applicator, used, on the radiator next to the toilet. Along with that someone seems to have an issue with flushing...leaving several things behind in the toilet (sorry if this grosses you out).

3. No one knocks when they come down into the basement. People seem to forget we live here and this is our space. Yes, the laundry room is down here but that does not mean that you shouldn't knock. I am sometimes napping and people come stomping down the stairs talking loudly. Our bedroom is under the kitchen and people go in there stomping around as well, neglecting the fact that we may be sleeping.

4. People leave their clothes in the washer and dryer for days at a time. How many clothes do you have that you can leave an entire load of clothes in the basement for weeks and not be curious as to why you're missing underwear, socks, and shirts?? Not to mention other people use the machines so when they move your stuff they pile it on top of the machine and it sits there for another few weeks.

I think that's about it for now. I don't know if I want to confront anyone or have a house meeting because I think they will feel like i am attacking them and like I do nothing wrong. I am sure I have left dishes in the sink, and maybe put the radio on too loud in the morning when i shower, or left something out on the counter. But I feel like if I say something, the moment I make a mistake it will be blown out of proportion. Not only that but I am not sure how to approach them without seeming rude. I can be harsh sometimes and the same way I have written everything here is likely the same way it would come out. I am just trying to make it out without any drama or friction. Any advice?

7 comments:

JUST Euphoria said...

well, I have never lived with any one other then my sister and that was hell, I don't know what your financial situation is but I think it's time for you & bf to find your own and besides you guys need your privacy, and your locks are looking good.

Unknown said...

Hmm... roomate confrontations are always a touchy subject and never go well, imho. Go to passiveaggressivenotes.com for some inspiration on what NOT to do! :)

lovelylocks said...

I think it's important to voice your concerns...just do it respectfully. It's usually not what you say, it's how you say it. It might help to make a schedule...like every saturday morning one roomie cleans the bathroom. Dishes shouldn't be too tough, if everyone does there own there won't be any. Make a note so people will knock before entering your space...something like "I might be naked so knock. thx!" Hope that helps!

N'Drea ~ the Storyteller said...

Oookkk then. Girl, it looks like you may need to move if nothing changes after addressing these issues. Sorry you've been having such a rough time. Hope something good works out for you and your S.O.

Au Naturale said...

unfortunately i have signed a lease and i have to wait until May until i can move. sunsail- i am def going to check out that website, and thanks n'drea and lovely locks. i'll get through it. at least i can hide away in my little cave lol

Anonymous said...

Let me tell you, during my junior year in college my best friend and I moved in with 2 other girls...It was the biggest nightmare of my life. It's bad when you're counting down your lease ending when there's still 11 months left. One roommate did hair and weave was always on the floor...not to mention her room smelled like something died in it. The other roommate cooked every evening and felt it was only necessary to wash dishes before cooking, meaning there were always dishes in the sink.

I called so many house meetings, it just seemed to make things worse. By the time the lease was up I felt like I had high blood pressure and a full head of gray hair.

I pray for a speedy lease contract termination and your sanity to be intact in May.....phew!

the YOUNG LIONESS said...

i comepletely agree. you really don;t know someone till you live with them

makes me kind of glad i never was roommates with any friends

i hope the situation gets better