Living with housemates can be both challenging and rewarding. When I moved in with two of my closest friends, I was initially hesitant due to hearing negative stories about friendships being strained in shared living situations.
However, in our household, we prioritize trust and respect for each other. With only three people in the house, we trust that everyone will take care of basic chores such as cleaning the kitchen after use and vacuuming if the floor looks dirty. While we haven't felt the need to create a chore chart, I recognize that it could be beneficial for larger households or for individuals who prefer a more structured approach to dividing responsibilities.
We鈥檙e also really good about notifying each other when we have people over. We have discussed boundaries when it comes to having people stay overnight. It's important to us to be considerate of each other's needs while also recognizing the importance of feeling comfortable hosting guests in a home for which we all contribute rent.
Respecting each other's need for alone time is another important aspect of maintaining a healthy living situation, especially when you're also friends and classmates. It's completely understandable that after a long day of school or work, everyone may need some time to unwind and recharge in their own way.
Creating a comfortable atmosphere where it's okay to simply be in the same space without feeling obligated to engage in constant conversation or socializing is key. This allows each person to have their own space and time to decompress without feeling pressured to interact. Overall I find that the key to living with housemates is respect and communication!