Some might see it as a high-risk method, but it has become a popular lifestyle, and also a kind of easy solution to split bills and expenses with others, by sharing a certain space.

For those who are not very familiar with the term, it is a more affectionate and short way of calling a roommate. This can be more common during some time periods. For example: At college, or an exchange program.

There are many options for your research, like those websites that can help you find ―or better said― select the best person to share a place. Those online platforms work with descriptions, where you talk about yourself and what you’re looking for… It is at least a way of trying to avoid being someone “zen” sharing a room with a “party monster”.

If you’re in charge of the decision, then you really should take a moment to think about who you’ll choose for that 24/7 interaction. Living with someone under the same roof is a big step, especially when there’s not a previous single type of relationship.

Half based on my recent experience, and the rest based on the conversations with my friends, and what their friends said, it all helped me notice some common factors in these stories. That’s how I summarized it all to this next three main recommendations: 

• The Rules

We all want to be nice and everything…but let’s admit it. Rules are necessary, if we are looking forward to have a calm and better living environment. You should establish some rules and agreements about the cleaning, the shared areas, and some limits about each other’s privacy.

In other words: “If you break it, you’ll pay it. If you use it, take care of it, If you got it dirty, you’ll clean it”.

• Similarities and Differences

It is really important that you try to know the basic information of that person that you’ll call roomie. Try to find someone who’s similar to you in the way of thinking, some behaviors or manners, if not, so many differences will probably lead to the first conflict, of more to come…

• Communication

If you’ll be living together, this is a key point. It goes in a 2×1 pack with privacy. No matter how obvious we thought that little hint was, not everyone will get it, so, let’s avoid that trouble and misunderstandings, and talk. It’s not always easy, but most of the time, it is the best solution.

This roomie’s thing has all type of options, exceptions and true-story anecdotes. It can be more complex than what we may think.

There will be moments where you’ll need to be patient or more tolerant. But there will also be moments where your roomie will become your best friend. It is normal to accept that some people called each other roomies and now they consider themselves as acquaintances, or even enemies… No case will be the same, because we are all different and the experiences will vary. Without forgetting that originally, it is more of an economic agreement.

The rules ―expecting to be followed― just like a willing attitude, are main factors, if looking to have a better interaction and peaceful co-living. If you’ve already had some roomies, or experienced sharing a place with others, you’ll understand how… dynamic it can be.

Always before taking any decision, do some research, don’t be afraid to ask, and talk about it.

I hope these three summarized tips can help you a bit more on the subject, making some decisions and to establish some rules for a better interaction.

*The images published on this article are used under the License CC0, from  Unsplash.com