Sharing a space with someone you haven't known for long can be difficult. As a college student, you can expect a roommate that has different habits, morals, cleaning styles, and even living experiences than you. Setting boundaries with roommates is essential.
Creating healthy boundaries that help navigate your differences can greatly help you. How should you create these boundaries? Here are some helpful tips for developing healthy boundaries with your roommate.
Tips On Setting Healthy Boundaries With Roommates
- Develop An Understanding Of How Each Of You Live
- Avoid Conflict & Confusion By Being Upfront With Each Other
- Create A Safe Space For Each Of You
Develop An Understanding Of How Each Of You Live
The first way to set boundaries with your roommate is by developing healthy communication skills. Express your roommate's living styles and expectations and how they can also meet those expectations for you.
The two of you should have conversations to learn from one another.
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Do you like it quiet while you sleep?
Do you mind having visitors in the room?
Are you extremely organized, or do you prefer a little clutter?
These are questions that both should ask. Furthermore, if you have an issue with something they are doing regarding your space, express that issue so that changes can be made to please you and your roommate.
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Avoid Conflict & Confusion By Being Upfront With Each Other
These boundaries avoid conflict and confusion. Boundaries can look different in different relationships. Setting boundaries with your roommate can be as simple as being upfront with your roommate about things each of you may do that the other may not agree with.
Setting boundaries can exist regarding respecting each other's space, respecting each other's belongings, and being understanding of each other's living desires and needs.
Create A Safe Space For Each Of You When Setting Boundaries
The main goal of establishing boundaries between you and your roommate is to ensure that both of you are comfortable in what is both of your room.
The two of you have to live together and you want the space to be safe and comfortable for you both. Though the two of you may experience some issues, feeling comfortable enough to express those issues is always important.
It is important that you do your best to avoid any conflict that may arise. Avoiding hard conversations can result in built-up feelings and frustration and ultimately make one of you uncomfortable.
In conclusion, developing boundaries between you and your roommate is important. We hope these tips assist you as you embark on a new journey with a new roommate and potentially lifelong friend!
