Living with a roommate can be a great experience, but it can also come with its challenges.
One of the biggest challenges can be when your roommate is always home and it starts to become annoying.
Whether you’re an introvert who needs alone time to recharge or simply feel like you’re not getting enough privacy, there are steps you can take to make the situation more bearable.
In this post, we’ll explore ten suggestions for what to do when your roommate is always home and it’s bothering you.
10 Things to Try if Your Roommate Is Always Home
Communicate with Your Roommate
Open and honest communication is key to any successful relationship, and living with a roommate is no exception.
By talking to your roommate about how you feel, you can work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
Perhaps your roommate isn’t even aware that their behavior is bothering you, or maybe they have their own concerns that they’d like to discuss.
Establish Boundaries
Setting boundaries can help you establish a sense of personal space and make it clear what behavior is acceptable and what is not.
For example, you might agree to only use the living room for certain hours of the day or agree to keep noise levels down after a certain time.
When you both know what to expect from each other, it can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
Related – Here are tips for dealing with an inconsiderate roommate!
Create a Schedule
By establishing a schedule for when each of you will have alone time or be out of the apartment, you can help ensure that you both have the space and privacy you need.
For example, you might agree that your roommate will spend a few hours each day at a nearby coffee shop so that you can have the apartment to yourself.
Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If your roommate is making a lot of noise and it’s bothering you, investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer.
Not only will they help block out unwanted noise, but they can also create a sense of calm and focus that can help you be more productive.
Find a Private Space Outside of Your Apartment
If you’re feeling cooped up and need some alone time, finding a private space outside of your apartment can be a great way to recharge.
Whether it’s a nearby park, a library, or a coffee shop, having a place where you can go to be alone and focus on your own thoughts can be incredibly helpful.
Take up A Hobby
Finding a new hobby or activity that you can do on your own is a great way to fill your time and take your mind off the fact that your roommate is always home.
Whether it’s a physical activity like yoga or running, or something creative like drawing or writing, having a hobby can help you feel more fulfilled and satisfied.
Create a Designated Workspace
If you’re working from home or studying, having a designated workspace can be incredibly helpful.
Not only will it help you stay focused and productive, but it can also create a sense of separation between your personal and work life.
By setting clear boundaries around your work or study time, you can help ensure that you’re able to meet your goals and stay on track.
Invite a Friend Over
Sometimes the best way to deal with a difficult situation is to get some outside perspective.
By inviting a friend over to spend time with you, you can get a break from your roommate and get some much-needed social interaction.
Whether you go out together or stay in and watch a movie, spending time with a friend can be a great way to de-stress and feel better.
Get Outside
Spending time outside in nature is a great way to clear your head and get some exercise.
Whether you go for a walk or a run, or simply sit outside and read a book, being in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating.
Not only will it help you feel more relaxed and centered, but it can also help you appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is crucial when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and unwind.
Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a long bath, practicing self-care can help you feel more grounded and centered, even when your roommate is getting on your nerves.
Related – Here is how to handle your roommate not having friends or never leaving their room.
Wrapping Up
Living with a roommate who is always home can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to make the situation more bearable.
This article outlines ten suggestions for dealing with the situation, including communicating with your roommate, setting boundaries, creating a schedule, investing in noise-cancelling headphones, finding a private space outside of your apartment, taking up a hobby, creating a designated workspace, inviting a friend over, getting outside, and practicing self-care.
By implementing one or more of these strategies, you can maintain your sanity and keep your relationship with your roommate intact, even when you’re feeling annoyed or overwhelmed!
Image credits – Photo by Panagiotis Falcos on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.