Moving is quite stressful! And, unless living on your own is an option, selecting the right roommate can cause stress levels to soar! What if none of your same-sex friends can move in with you, but an acquaintance/friend of yours of the opposite sex is ready to sign on the dotted line?
For some, the situation may be a no-brainer, but for others, having a roommate of the opposite gender might be disastrous. The tips below will help those who already are living with a member of the opposite sex, or those who soon may be.
Don’t Be a Victim of Gender Stereotyping
Just because your roommate is male, don’t suppose that he will handle all the outdoor chores and lift all the heavy things. Or, because your roommate is female, that she will be in charge of all the cooking and cleaning. Gender-specific stereotyping causes unnecessary tension and leads to anger, which is why it’s so important that household chores are shared.
Keep It Clean
What is a clean living environment to one roommate may be completely unacceptable to another. People have varying perceptions of cleanliness. It’s critical that both parties communicate their expectations and that fair cleaning rules are established before moving in together.
“Having twice as many dishes and laundry to do takes some getting used to, but you have to get used to each other’s living habits and learn to compromise.” Kristi Hickman, author, Moving Insider
Comfort Zone
Communicate your level of comfort about wardrobe. If you don’t want to be caught off guard by your roommate walking around in boxers, be sure to communicate your comfort level before moving in together.
Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue
Think twice before becoming romantically involved with your roommate. Even if Cupid is trying to strike, romantic feelings may create problems because it becomes difficult to distinguish between roommate status and boyfriend/girlfriend status.
Communication Is Key
We know that “men are from Mars, and women are from Venus,” so always remember that communication is KEY! Keep the lines of communication open, and address all concerns as they arise. Mutual respect is a must for a successful living arrangement.
“Simplicity, openness and honesty are crucial when moving in with a member of the opposite sex.” Zofia Sells, author, Moving Insider
Do you have any helpful tips for moving in with a member of the opposite sex? If so, please share them with us here.
