Learning how to deal with bad roommates is no simple task. If you can't get yourself out of the lease and your daily life is proving to be a real chore, there are a few simple steps that can make your life with a bad roommate easier:
Step 1: Confront the problem
Let the person know you're unhappy. He may not be aware he's doing things that bug you.
Step 2: Get feedback
Ask him what you do that annoys him. This way, he won't feel he's being attacked.
Step 3: Negotiate
Negotiate. Tell him that if he stops blowing his nose in the dishtowels, you'll stop doing yoga in the nude.
Step 4: Set some rules
Decide on some house rules, like how loudly and when music can be played; how often friends can come over and/or sleep over; how clean the bathroom and kitchen should be, and how to handle offensive smells in those rooms.
Step 5: Alter your schedule
Adjust your schedule to minimize the time you're together. For example, make plans to go out on evenings he's planning to kick back at home.
Step 6: Kill him with kindness
Kill him... with kindness. Bring home the cookies he likes; offer to wash the dishes when you know he's running late; make him chicken soup when he's sick. If you change your attitude, he might do the same.
Step 7: Terminate the agreement
Still not getting along? Take steps to terminate the arrangement, whether that means speaking to a Residence Assistant about getting a new roommate, or asking your landlord if you can break your lease.
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