How to talk to your Roommate

1
How to talk to your Roommate
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Go in Expecting Success
Entering into a difficult discussion with an
optimistic attitude can help set you up for
success.
3
If you
Expect Success An increased desire to see the
problem resolved. Expect Failure An almost
absolute guarantee that it will get worse.
4
Make Eye Contact
Looking directly at your roommate while you
explain your take on a situation does a great
deal to strengthen your message
5
If you
Have eye contact connectedness, assertiveness,
confidence in your message. Have lack of eye
contact anger, uneasiness, doubt and
wishy-washiness.
6
Use Statements
The word I in a statement lets you take
ownership of your feelings. It removes the
blaming tone and will decrease your roommates
defensiveness. As a result, they are bound to
listen better.
7
If you
Use I I was upset when I didnt get the
message that my coach called because I missed a
special practice as a result. Do not use I
You made me miss my practice because you didnt
give me the coachs message.
8
Agree to Disagree
What does this phrase really mean? In part, it
means that you can stand up for yourself without
putting your roommate down. Your values are just
as valid as theirs are and theirs are valid
too. There are going to be times when your values
jive, leading you to agree on something. Yet, of
course, there will be other times when your
values are at odds, leading to a disagreement.
So, agreeing to disagree means that, as
roommates, you know you wont always agree. You
many not like what she believes and she may not
like what you believe but, in the end, you
respect one anothers right to expression.
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Connect and be clear
As in any relationship, you and your roommate are
bound to hit some rocky patches. And since youre
living in a residence hall setting where a
culture of folks tend to get into one anothers
business exits, its even more vital that you
establish clear, healthy lines of communication.