We always keep looking for the best spouse, the best place to live, the best school/college, the best outfits, but forget that the whole world is also searching for the best in everything. Such is the case with having room mates also. We always want to have a good roommate, but have we ever given a thought on being a good one too? Living with other people can be difficult, but adjustment and time can certainly ease it. The following article gives you some easy to follow tips, on being a good roommate. So here it goes.

First and foremost, get to know your roommate. Take it slow, it’s certainly not the thing to do on the first day, but it can be given some time. For starters, get to know how early they rise or whether they are night owls? How much TV do they watch? Would they rather listen to music or watch TV? Are they allergic to anything? Any query would do, on the dining table, on the very first day.

Next, you need to set your boundaries and stick with them. This includes your party hours, study hours, privacy and everything you need on earth, to be precise and systematic.

Respect your roommate in terms of privacy and personal space, and this shall come back to you when you need yours. This is very important with a small living area. Delineate your stuff and your roommate’s stuff clearly. Remember you were thought in school to ask before “borrowing” anything. So follow it and take good care of any borrowed items. Make mutual obligations and follow them.

And most of all be prepared to compromise. You cannot ask to change some one; you need to change your view of looking at things. Remember, cleanliness is next to Godliness, so clean up. You need not be a neat freak, but clean up whatever you can, dirty dishes, living room, or laundry all over the bedroom. Have minimum standards of cleanliness and abide by, rather than having high standards and not following anything.

Be courteous. If you are a night owl, keep the volume low, turn down the lights and try not to disturb your roommates. If you go to bed early, you will surely get the same treatment in return.

Spend time. Week ends can be great; of course you can socialize with each other’s friends and get to know each other well. But otherwise also, say hello and goodbye, ask them about their day, show interest in their lives, who doesn’t like getting back home after a busy day and having someone to talk to. This will help you understand their perspective, and vice versa. Make dinner together, watch a movie, etc. Stay flexible and approachable. Be there, whenever your roommate needs you. If your roommate has an exam coming up, let them study, by lowering down your television volume. Let them know, that you can help with any of their difficulties or problems. Don’t just talk but communicate.