Annoying roommate habits can really drive you crazy! We've all shared apartments with people who seem completely incapable of behaving in a civilised and thoughtful fashion. They are seemingly oblivious as to how irritating they are. Here are just some of the annoying roommate habits you will probably have encountered …
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Evading Chores
One of the really annoying roommate habits is when they fail to do their share of the household chores. They conveniently forget that they are using the kitchen and bathroom, and walking on the floors. And as for those who leave dirty plates for days on end …
... it quickly becomes a breeding ground for frustration and bacteria. It's not just about the mess, but also the respect and understanding that living together means sharing responsibilities. A simple rotation system or a gentle reminder might nudge them in the right direction, but when those dirty dishes start to pile up like a grim Tetris game, it's hard not to feel like you're living in a college dorm rather than a shared adult home. Communication is key, so don't forget to address these issues before small annoyances become big problems.
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"Moving" Their Boyfriend in
We've almost certainly all experienced this one. The roommate starts bringing back their girl/boyfriend to stay one night a week … then two … then before you know it, they've practically moved in. Without consulting anyone. Plus the partner never pays towards the rent or cleans up after themselves. And they steal your food too.
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Stealing Food
Stealing food is, of course, Roommate Sin #3. Nobody minds if they take a bit of sugar or pasta, but it's so annoying to find that you have no milk, bread or cereal for breakfast. They never replace what they use, and who wants to be treated like a supermarket?
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Late with Rent
The occasional delay in paying your share of the rent is understandable, and happens to everyone. What is not acceptable is a roommate who continually offers excuses as to why they can't pay at the usual time. Who wants to end up subsidising someone else's rent?
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Noise
Noisy, inconsiderate roommates can make your life very difficult. Nobody expects total silence when you share an apartment. However, some roommates play loud music until late, or crash in at 5am when you have to get up early for work. And who wants to hear their roommates having sex …?
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To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.
Hypocrisy
Have you ever had the type of roommate who complains about you and the other people in the house, conveniently forgetting that they do exactly what they're moaning about? For example, some people are noisy or leave their laundry in the machine, then complain that they were kept awake or that they can never use the machine.
It's like they have a blind spot for their own behavior, isn't it? They'll just not see the pile of dishes they've contributed to in the sink while lecturing everyone else on cleanliness, or ironically blast their music while telling others to keep it down. Discussing communal expectations can help, but sometimes, it's like talking to a brick wall. The key might be to gently remind them of their own habits when they start pointing fingers—hopefully then, they'll start practicing what they preach.
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Heating
If you live in a colder climate, heating can be a source of roommate annoyance. Either they insist on only switching the heating on when the temperature drops below freezing. Or they put it on at 30C and then open the windows because they're too hot. And you're expected to subsidise their wastefulness!
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Borrowing Things
Ever found things missing from your room? Another irritating roommate habit is to borrow things without asking. Even if they do have the courtesy to ask first, some people then forget to return the item they've borrowed. Or it's not returned in the same condition.
If you're lucky, you have great roommates and get along with them really well. The majority of us, however, could write a book (or two) on the experiences we've had over the years of sharing. Everyone has a story to tell about the creepy roommate or what it was like to share with someone on drugs. Sometimes you look back and can't believe what you put up with! What's your most incredible roommate story - have you had an experience that put you off sharing for life?
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