Comments on: Surviving a Messy Roommate

By: RPM

RPM — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 19:41:38 +0000

Perhaps discuss the possibility of pooling funds to pay for someone to come in x number of times a month to clean for all of you. Sometimes it’s worth skipping Starbucks and other “necessities” to have this luxury.

Another option is to stop cleaning up after them (and yourself). Just make as big a mess as possible as often possible. Eventually someone will say something and that opens a dialogue of what works for everyone.

Finally, living either with others like us or alone is often the best option for a neat and tidy person.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 17:37:10 +0000

In reply to Sally anlin. Or a spouse?

By: Aneisa Phelps

Aneisa Phelps — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 18:43:01 +0000

Oh my goodness, I LOVE this! Thank you! My roommates are a husband and sons. I appreciate reading this and being able to look at my own frustrations and realize that I own it! I always respect and enjoy your advice.

By: J. Nielsen

J. Nielsen — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:30:46 +0000

Unless roommates (spouse, gf, bf, etc.) know the expectations (and agrees with them), you shouldn’t get angry. I used this technique with my ex-husband (when he was my husband). Whenever he did or didn’t do something, I would first ask myself “Did I voice my expectation?” If the answer was “No” then I couldn’t get angry at him. But if the answer was “Yes” then I had to options…1) remind him or 2) do it myself. I usually ended up with option #2 because it was much easier to get things accomplished than to get all wound up about “the small stuff” and I knew he wouldn’t remember to do it as a recurring chore. The good new is, this technique taught me patience and what battles to fight.

By: Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:02:45 +0000

“Do it yourself—for yourself.” Good advice.

By: Sally anlin

Sally anlin — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:32:58 +0000

Thanks for the post. I always value your insights. Other than excluding the option of ‘move out’, would you change your answer if the question was in regards to a minor child?

By: Alan Janak

Alan Janak — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:07:07 +0000

I think he should have mentioned another choice: getting new roommates! That way, you don’t have to move, if the roommates can be told to move when their lease expires. I guess it depends on who owns the house/apartment, and what the terms are, but sometimes it’s preferable to stay if you can and have the others move. Of course, you have to vet the new roomies to make sure they meet your standards! Good Luck!