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CAN MY LANDLORD EVICT ME FOR SMOKING?
QUESTION: I'm subletting an apartment. My landlord wants to evict me for smoking -- and for allowing my guests to smoke, too. The tenant whom I rent from didn't mention any rules about smoking, nor were there any in the tenant's lease nor in my...
Developing Your Child's Self Discipline
Self-discipline is the ability to set a realistic goal or make a plan--then stick with it. It is the ability to resist doing things that can hurt others or ourselves. It involves keeping promises and following through on commitments. It is the...
How to take Great Photos of Your Pet
We all love our animals. They do such funny, adorable, and cute things. But somehow when that camera comes out they run and hide or they just seem to always be pointed away from the camera when you push the button. Well here are some tips to...
Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends
Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your eyes on your now, ever still most beloved pet? Feeling that very special bond between the both of you when you pick up that little...
Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition to your family. Children love to play with puppies and kittens. They learn about life as their pets grow and mature. Dog’s and cat’s are wonderful companions to both the young and old of any...
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AFTER YOU FIND A ROOMMATE,THEN WHAT?
The Trial Period.
When you first set up your household, there should be a period of time in which you and your roommate(s) concentrate on just being yourselves and living the way you want (within reason, of course). Do not try to anticipate your roommate's likes and dislikes. If you have always listened to the stereo for an hour before falling asleep, now is not the time to change the habit just because you don't think your roommate will like it. The idea is to do the things you want to do and feel comfortable doing.
Likes And Dislikes.
During the trial period, keep a list (mentally or on paper) of the things your roommate does that bug you, and things you think are terrific. Don't get hung up on the negatives. If you think the fact that your roomie can smile first thing in the morning is great, tell them so. By the same token, if the sound of Bruce Springsteen at 6:00 a.m. makes you queasy, now is the time to talk about it.
Reevaluation.
After a week or two of "doing what comes naturally," and making your respective lists, you should set aside some time for a long talk about the ways your living styles clash or go well together. Be honest, but avoid calling the other person or his ideas petty, wrong, or anything else derogatory. Frankly discuss
what you cannot tolerate, are indifferent to, or really enjoy. Where your differences are severe, you must both compromise, or it could be one very, very long year together. Now is the time to complete a Roommate Contract. Neither your life-style, nor that of your roomie, is inherently good or bad, just different. Tread gently on another's ego.
After You Talk It Out.
Although you have talked out your problems, and maybe made some compromises, you are far from finished. Keep the lines of communication open. If something new bothers you, or your compromises are just not working, talk to your roommate. The idea is to keep life running smoothly.
Many roommates try to have pre-planned household meetings periodically (maybe once or twice a month) so they can sit down over coffee or dinner and talk business. Besides talking about your personal problems or accomplishments, this is a good time to decide things like who is going to deal with the landlord when something needs to be fixed.
Living with someone else is not just a matter of hanging in there until June. It means really working at having a place you feel good about coming home to after a long day on campus or at work.
About the Author
dan the roommate man
www.roommateexpress.com
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