When to Let Roommate Issues Go

Part of being a good roommate is realizing that the people you live with may live different lifestyles than you. This isn’t something to be angry about, but something to embrace. There are obviously things that are not alright and that should be reported. If your roommate is putting your safety in danger or seriously affecting your ability to live your life comfortably, it’s alright to say something to them. However, there are roommate issues you should just let go, as getting upset over them can make the situation worse. So, how do you know when to let it go? Here are a few troubling situations that you should let slide, if you want to have a fun experience living in student housing.

Roommate Issues you Shouldn’t Freak Out Over

1. A few dirty dishes

As a neat freak, you probably want the whole apartment to be clean. However, it’s really important to remember how stressful and busy college life can be. If your roommate leaves a few dishes in the sink every now and again, it’s not something to scream about. Give them a chance to get caught up with their chores. They are usually not trying to be lazy, but just prioritizing their school work and health ahead of things like house chores. If it becomes a complete mess that never gets cleaned up, then it may be something to talk to them about, but a few dirty dishes are no big deal.

2. One loud night

It’s important to feel comfortable in your apartment and be able to study and sleep peacefully. That being said, your roommates may have some loud friends over on occasion. If it’s one slightly loud night a few times a semester, you might be better off just letting it go. If it starts to happen more often or if it’s going on during the week when everybody has school and work, it’s reasonable to talk to them about it. Just don’t go yelling at them the first time they have a little wild Saturday night – you have to respect their desire to have friends over sometimes.

3. Somebody using your ketchup

Having a thief for a roommate is not cool. That doesn’t mean you should draw a black line on your ketchup bottle every time you use it. Something that small and cheap isn’t cause for a big argument the first time you notice someone has used a little. If your cheese all of a sudden goes missing, and then your juice, then your eggs… That’s something that would raise a little more concern. First your eggs, then your watch, right? However, something as small as ketchup shouldn’t be a big deal, especially since your roommates are likely to return the favor when you need something.

4. A friend sleeps over

It’s common for a roommate to let a friend crash on the couch. As long as the person isn’t sketchy and it’s a one night deal, don’t get upset. If your sister or BFF wanted to come visit a day or two, you would want her to have a place to sleep, right? Don’t make a fuss over your roommate’s friends and they can’t make a fuss over yours. That doesn’t mean it’s okay for them to tack on another roommate who doesn’t pay rent, but a night here or there is fine.

What kind of roommate problems have you experienced? Did you say something or was it easier to just let it go? Let us know in the comment section below.