Co-Ed Living Challenges

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You know that old saying, men are from Mars and women are from Venus?  Well, we’re all communing on Earth (for the most part, anyway) and it can sometimes be an arduous task to live together.  There are a few tips that you can utilize when living with a person of the opposite sex in an apartment in Atlanta.  Whether it is your significant other, your sibling or just a friend, every situation can present unique challenges.  You need to first establish a good line of communication.  For women this might mean sitting down with a glass of wine, with the television off and talking about feelings.  For a man, this might mean nodding idly while pretending to listen to the feelings.  Here’s how to bridge the gap.

            Perhaps you’ve been reading too much Sci Fiand forgot, but this is 2010 and the contraption to read people’s minds has not yet been invented.  Communicating expectations is first and foremost.  If there is ever a discrepancy in what is expected and what is being done, it has to be address.  Women tend to beat around the bush more so than men and generally need to be told things in a subtle way.  Men generally need to be told things in a very direct way.  Here is an example:

 

Woman says: I wish you would pick up your socks without me having to ask you, since I do most of the cleaning around here.  And get your feet off the table.

            Man hears: Nag, nag, socks, nag, table, nag.

 

            Women generally need to keep things simple and direct, especially when giving directions.  Something like, “dude, socks go in the hamper,” will work every time.  You can open the big can of crazy later if he is still ignoring you.  Men, if there is something you want your female roommate to do that she is not doing (maybe let your girlfriend stay the weekend or take care of your dog while you’re out of town), you should try appealing to her emotions.  Ask her politely and state the reasons you need to enlist her help.  Women respond best when they do not feel taken advantage of.  Always remember to say thank you; it will go a long way, especially when dealing with a roommate who could easily make your life a living Hell. 

            If you have trouble with important dates, make a calendar for the apartment to share.  That way you won’t forget to take out the recycling, miss your roommate’s birthday, or try to host a house party the weekend he or she is scheduled to take the MCAT.