Memphis Apartments

If you had known all the quirks about your Memphis apartment roommate, you’d have done something different - maybe a lot of things different. But “woulda, coulda and shoulda” don’t really matter now and it’s up to you to make the best of the situation. There are some ways to deal with Memphis apartment roommates, even when those Memphis apartment roommates are being difficult.

Start by evaluating the situation and defining goals. When you are criticizing in generalities, not only are you forcing your Memphis apartment roommate to defend himself, you’re not offering any options for correcting the behavior.

Avoid confrontations

If you never talk to your Memphis apartment roommate about his loud music except when he’s playing it too loud at one o’clock in the morning, you’re probably never “talking.” Instead, make time to have a rational conversation when no one has been awakened from a sound sleep and no one is overly angry at that moment. If you rationally explain that constantly having your sleep interrupted is affecting your performance at work and that you’ll be forced to move back home if you’re fired, you may find a more sympathetic listener than if you just yell at him to turn down the music.

The finances

If someone isn’t paying their share of the bills on time, set some penalties. If you have to cover his share of the rent every month because he never has the money to pay until “after payday,” you are effectively making a loan. It’s only fair that you are compensated for that loan. Depending on your situation, you may want to be completely in line with other lending institutions on this point. Your Memphis apartment roommate may be willing to pay you an extra few bucks every month for that loan. If you can afford to continue this routine, that compensation may be the solution for everyone - you’re getting a fair return on your money and there’s no longer a need for anger when the situation arises. If you’re not in the position to make this “loan,” it may be time to charge loan shark rates. If your return is very high, your Memphis apartment roommate may decide that it’s time to become responsible enough to make his share of the bills on time - every time. Be careful about allowing this situation to continue lest you are stuck with all the bills and your Memphis apartment roommate fails to repay you on time - or at all.

Write it down, make a chart

While a chart of chores with little stars that indicate a job well done may seem a bit juvenile, it might be the most effective way to eliminate struggles over duties around the apartment. While you may have the “clean up after yourself” rule, there are some chores that fall under that category. Deciding who will vacuum, mop the kitchen floor and clean out the fridge may be best handled with a chart. Remember that everyone has to agree on the distribution of chores or the resentment will manifest itself in attitude or sloppy completion. It’s also important that everyone involved agrees that compliance is mandatory rather than optional.

Make it specific

“Play nice” was a rule your mother issued as a warning when you were five and simply weren’t obeying the rules of nice play. That admonition probably won’t work on your Memphis apartment roommates and your mothers aren’t likely to become involved. Therefore, you’ve got to be a little clearer about the rules of the apartment. Have rules like, “Music can be played after eleven o’clock on weeknights only with earphones.” Remember that the rules have to be reasonable and don’t be willing to establish rules you aren’t willing to respect yourself.

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