In the Media – How to deal with a roommate fight (Hercampus.com)
From HerCampus.com
If you have lived in a college dorm or live in one now, you may have gotten into a roommate fight. Corinne Sullivan spoke to The Friendship Doctor, Andrea Lavinthal, and some collegians to offer sound advice on dealing with a roommate fight.
By Corinne Sullivan
“As much as we want to believe that we’re going to be the best of friends with our roommates and get along with each other all the time, the truth of the matter is we may not. When you live with other people, it’s natural for some tension to develop. Whether the cause is your roommate’s tendency to press snooze on her alarm half a dozen times before actually waking up or your habit of borrowing her clothes without asking permission, roomie fights are inevitable between even the closest of roommates. The question is: how do you resolve matters without wanting to strangle each other?
Category: IN THE MEDIA
Fights, break-ups, etc., are just painful no matter who “caused” it. As I have stated earlier, I am an older person, however, no matter when things happens in my life, they mattered and affected the next relationship. I remember when I joined the Navy. In boot camp, (I was 18) you are assigned a room (cubicle) with 4 other women. Because I had no room of my own in my family household, I probably had an easier time than others. I was used to being neat and tidy and so my habits didn’t infringe on the other’s space. My space was the couch in the living room. It was my Mom’s favorite room and no one disturbed it with clutter. Now, many years later and most likely many fights as well, I live alone and love it. Again, it takes time to get to know who you are, let alone others. Having fights and disagreements is part of learning who you are and how to get along with others who are not like you. I think those who won’t “fight” for what they want, may just go along with others. How then do you begin to understand your own likes and dislikes? It’s uncomfortable to have disagreements with others, but in doing so, you may find a new way from others you hadn’t thought about before. I wish you the best on your journey. I like living alone because it’s less stressful for me as I have gotten older. I don’t need to argue with anyone but me!
Thanks for sharing your experience and ideas, Carol!