Do you have a roommate? If yes, how much do you know about them?
Moving in with someone seems fun, but it may get rough along the way. Normally, we find ourselves seeking roommates for different reasons. Some people want roomies because they want company, others are after cost sharing, and so on.
Before getting a roommate, there are several things you need to know about them. That will help you understand their character, motives, and just who they really are. If you get to know them well enough, you can set boundaries and build a friendly environment for sharing a place together.
9 Things to Know About a Person Before Moving in With Them
Circumstances may force you to get a roommate before you’re ready. While having a roomie is good, it could also be risky. Part of your planning for a house partner should include finding as much information about them as possible. There are several things to consider as green or red flags before agreeing to move in with someone.
So, without further ado, let’s consider nine things to know about a person before becoming their roommate.
- True Identity
Before agreeing to be someone’s roommate, confirm they are who they say they are. Knowing a person’s true identity gives you a sense of security and builds the level of trust you’ll have in them. Concealed identities are red flags and should concern you, especially if it is deliberate.
Nowadays, finding a person’s true identity is easy if you have their phone number or address. Simply go to Nuwber, enter the details you have, and instantly get a person’s real name.
- Contact Information
Besides having the phone number, knowing your roommate’s home and workplace contacts is important. The best place to get such information could be by asking them or checking their social media accounts, such as Facebook, X, and Instagram.
“But why would I need their additional contact info if I have their phone number?” you may ask. The thing is, life is very unpredictable. Your roommate can lose their phone or may simply face a difficult situation where they might need help.
Moreover, the more details you have about them, the calmer you will be.
- Hobbies & Interests
Knowing your potential roommate’s hobbies and interests could help you solve future problems with them. How a person spends their leisure time reveals so much about their character. Hobbies and interests reflect their values and unique personality traits, although they are not the sole indicator of character. Besides, sharing interests and hobbies with a roommate may boost your friendship.
- Choice of Friends
Friends significantly influence one’s living experience. Before accepting to be someone’s roommate, find out who they associate with. At some point, you and your roommate’s friends will cross paths. That may happen during visits. If the roommate has friends who do things you dislike, avoiding moving in with the person is probably the best idea. Otherwise, it could ruin your stay together, which will eventually lead to passive-aggressive behavior.
- Workplace
Knowing about a roommate’s place of work or the nature of their job is important. What someone does when they walk out of the house could enhance or ruin your friendship. Besides, it could put you in danger. If someone engages in illegal activities or a job that puts you at risk, shun them. Your safety is more important than having a roommate. While at it, discuss your work schedules to know when to expect each other back at home.
- Marital Status
When looking for a roommate, learn about their partner and their expectations. You want peace, not drama. If someone is married, ask whether they intend to bring their partner with them. Also, ask them if the partner is okay with you moving in together. You don’t want to be accused of ruining someone else’s relationship.
- Likes and Dislikes
Before settling down with someone, one of the most important things to do is to discuss your likes and dislikes. Sometimes, people fight and argue over simple things that could have been solved if they understood each other. Sharing with your potential roommate things that you like and dislike and letting them do the same will help you set boundaries. You both must understand each other’s expectations.
- How Proactive They are With Bills
When you share a house or a room with someone, it goes without saying that the expenses are to be shared as well. Remember, utilities are in one person’s details, so the other party must show willingness and commitment to share the bills.
If a potential roommate is stingy with money, that’s a red flag, and you should decline the offer to share a place. On the other hand, if they easily part with money to pay for services rendered, it’s a green flag, and you should consider them.
- Respectfulness
No one should ever accept disrespect. While you can be tolerant of a person’s character, subjecting yourself to contempt by others could ruin your happiness. Besides, it hurts more when you are disrespected by someone you are staying with.
As a precaution, evaluate your potential roomie and establish how good-mannered, admirable, esteemed, and courteous they are of other people’s feelings. Disregarding or being dismissive of other people is a red flag. They will most likely not respect you if they don’t respect others.
Last Word
Living with a roommate can either be rewarding or challenging. When you decide you want a roomie, the best advice is to have a plan about it. That helps you evaluate them and establish whether they are a good fit for you.
In this blog post, we focused on several traits of a good roommate. As you choose, remember that both of you are humans and that all mistakes can be solved gradually.
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