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The way I react when working under pressure is…
When I’m depressed I act like…
When I’d rather be alone I…
The way I react when I meet people for first time is…
Something that will usually cheer me up when I’m down is…
I usually let people know I’m angry by…
Some things that make me tense or uptight are…
I become easily annoyed by…
The way I let people know what I’m feeling or what I need is…
Quite often roommates have different ideas of just how clean and neat place should be. Let your feelings be known early, and take time to find out attitudes and preferences of your roommate. Some of duties you need to discuss are:
Vacuuming Making beds (probably a pact to do it individually) Dusting Washing dirty dishes Taking out trash
Watch out for becoming too dependent on your roommate for friendship. Doing so may result in hurt feelings on your part and resentment on his/hers. As school year gets underway, remember that it is natural for good friendships to develop between students who are not roommates.
Perhaps most sensitive issue that can arise conflict is also one that can be most uncomfortable to discuss. When a roommate brings home an intimate guest, it may create an awkward situation. Feelings about this situation are difficult to discuss. We encourage you to be honest with your roommate about your feelings and expectations in this area. Anything you or your roommate do that might affect other should be discussed an agreed upon beforehand. You both have a right to privacy and room use, but you each have a responsibility to other, as well.
If you talk your way through these areas you and your roommate should be well on way to a good relationship. Remember that none of us are perfect. If problems develop between you and your roommate that you can’t seem to solve, see your Resident Advisor or House Director. These students have training and experience dealing with such situations. They will be glad to work with you and your roommate on a solution.
DAN THE ROOMMATE MAN
www.roommateexpress.com