Living with a roommate can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have someone to share rent and chores with. On the other hand, you also have to deal with their habits and quirks that can drive you up the wall. One of the most frustrating situations is when your roommate seems to never leave the living room. Here are the top 10 habits of a roommate who never leaves the common area and how to deal with them.Top 10 Roommate Habits That Will Drive You Crazy
Whether it's studying, working, or just relaxing, your roommate always seems to be in the living room. This can be especially frustrating when you want to use the space for yourself. It can make you feel like you're living with a permanent guest instead of a roommate. The best way to deal with this is to have an open and honest conversation with your roommate. Let them know that you also need to use the living room and come up with a schedule or an agreement to share the space equally. It's important to communicate your needs and boundaries in a respectful manner.1. Roommate Always in the Living Room
It's one thing to use the living room frequently, but it's another when your roommate never seems to leave the common area. They may even eat their meals and sleep on the couch, making it feel like you have a permanent roommate on the sofa. This can make you feel like you have no privacy or personal space. Again, communication is key. Let your roommate know that you need some alone time and ask them to respect your boundaries. It's also important to set boundaries yourself and not feel obligated to constantly entertain your roommate.2. Roommate Never Leaves the Common Area
Even when you have plans to use the living room, your roommate always seems to be there. This can be frustrating and make you feel like you have to constantly ask for permission to use the space. It can also make you feel like you have no control over your own home. In this situation, it's important to set clear boundaries and communicate them to your roommate. Let them know that you would appreciate some alone time in the living room and ask them to respect your needs. It's also important to be understanding and flexible, as your roommate may also have their own reasons for wanting to use the space.3. Roommate Constantly in the Shared Space
Do you ever come home and find your roommate already using the living room, without any intention of leaving? This can make you feel like you have to constantly wait for your turn to use the space, and can also cause tension and resentment. Once again, communication is key. Set up a schedule or agreement with your roommate to ensure that you both have equal access to the living room. It's also important to be respectful of each other's time and not hog the space for extended periods of time.4. Roommate Always Using the Living Room
Living with a roommate means sharing living spaces, but it's also important to give each other some personal space. If your roommate never seems to leave the living room, it can make you feel like you have no private space of your own. Be open and honest with your roommate about your need for personal space. Set up designated areas in the living room where each of you can have some privacy and alone time. It's also important to respect each other's privacy and not intrude on designated personal spaces.5. Roommate Never Gives Others Space
Does your roommate always seem to be the one in control of the living room? They may constantly choose what to watch on TV, play music loudly, or invite their friends over without consulting you. This can make you feel like you have no say in your own home. In this situation, it's important to establish boundaries and communicate your needs. Let your roommate know that you also have a say in how the living room is used and come up with a compromise that works for both of you.6. Roommate Monopolizes the Living Room
Some roommates may use the living room as their own personal space, leaving their belongings all over and making it difficult for you to use the space. This can make you feel like you're living with a roommate who doesn't respect your shared living space. It's important to set boundaries and communicate with your roommate about keeping the living room clean and tidy. You can also come up with a system for shared items and personal belongings to avoid clutter in the common area.7. Roommate Always Occupying Common Area
Some roommates may choose to use the living room as their own personal space instead of their own bedroom. This can make you feel like you're constantly sharing a room with someone else, and can also lead to a lack of privacy and personal space. Have a conversation with your roommate about the importance of having their own personal space. Encourage them to use their own room for studying, relaxing, and sleeping, and come up with a schedule or agreement for sharing the common area.8. Roommate Never Uses Their Own Room
One of the most common complaints about roommates who never leave the living room is that they're always in front of the TV. This can make it difficult for you to watch your own shows or use the TV for other purposes. It's important to communicate with your roommate about sharing TV time. Come up with a schedule or rotate who gets to choose what to watch. You can also invest in a second TV or streaming device to avoid conflicts over TV usage.9. Roommate Always in Front of the TV