Skip to main content

Lessons from 5208

Over the holiday weekend, I moved out of a room I rented in a townhouse. I lived there longer than I've lived anywhere else (aside from parent's house). It was also my first time living with roommates (outside of college). That experience taught me a lot. I am thankful for that season of my life and I'll be honest and say I am so thankful it is over. My lessons:

1) Compromise
Ah yes. That word. No one I know likes it however, it is so important for the workplace and any relationship and especially a living arrangement. I want one thing, a roommate wants another, we reach an agreement all can live with. Done. It really is that easy when you think of others and don't act so selfishly. Last week while packing, they wanted to pack the whole kitchen seven days before moving. I did not since I still had to eat. We came to a compromise in that everything but a few glasses and bowls were packed. We both won.

2) Communication
In order to get along with others, communication (and respect) is key. Absolutely key. I learned it is better to just get your frustration, disappointment, etc. right out in the open. Why? Because if you bottle that stuff up, it will explode like a volcano and the result will not be pretty. Just have the unpleasant conversation right when something happens instead of waiting.

3) Kindness
When you live with others, the nice things (like putting my dishes in the dishwasher or taking my clothes out of the dryer) are incredibly thoughtful and that act of kindness goes along way. One below freezing morning, my roommate left for work earlier than I did and while scrapping her windows, she scrapped mine as well. That one little act of kindness made my whole day.

Living with people is one of the hardest things I've ever done. So while I am talking about a living situation, all three things mentioned above are useful skills to have in any relationship and within the workplace.

One of the biggest things I learned is that we bring SO MUCH struggle and frustration upon ourselves. We really do. We have expectations of how things should go and refuse to accept things the way they are. Our attitudes turn sour, we speak terribly of people and situations. Much of life's circumstances are based on how we react. We do not have control over much of anything though we do have control over attitudes and reactions. What would happen if we let go of expectations, embraced the here and now and loved well? This is my challenge to you!

Even though this living arrangement taught me a lot, I am ready and on to new adventures and I simply CANNOT WAIT!



Have you lived with roommates (not husbands)? What lessons did you learn?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Lipstick and Scarves

I've never liked wearing lipstick. Because the minute you drink or eat something, you have to reapply. So it's just makes sense to me to not waste my money on it. But I always looked so much more put together when wearing lipstick. There had to be an alternative right? Enter Lipsense ! When Emily added me to her group, I thought there's no way a lipstick exists that actually stays on. Reluctantly, I tried it and guess what y'all?! It stays on through my breakfast, coffee, excessive water drinking and eating. I'm so in love and I feel so much more confident. In this picture, I got brave and mixed colors. It's two layers of Roseberry, one layer of Pink Champagne with glossy gloss! I look hot and felt like it too! Let's also talk about this scarf! I made it! When I was in DC a few weeks ago, I met up with Amanda and she took me to her favorite yarn shoppe, Fibre Space . Yarn for days but I found this gorgeous skein ( Yowza by Miss Babs ) and had to have it...

A Financial Luxury No One Talks About

Last weekend I moved into an apartment that more than doubled what I was paying in rent. To be honest, I had a really good deal and unfortunately had to give it up. I'm *almost* living paycheck to paycheck. By *almost* I mean I have to be very careful about any extra spending.  One thing not in my budget: internet connection. Call me crazy but let me just tell you something: internet is not a necessity, it is a luxury. It is not necessary to put yourself through such financial strain. Much of the first world, however, cannot fathom living without an internet connection or *gasp* Netflix. Though many people in the US and other countries cannot afford such a luxury when they are struggling to eat each day.  Instead of getting lost in the world wide web and Netflix, there are so many other things to do. Read books (that you check out from the library of course). Go outside for a walk or hike. Connect with friends and family. Have a dinner party. Host game night. Rest. Enjo...

Money Matters - July

July was a long money month. There were five weekends and five Mondays. Thankfully, I ended up staying within my means and even had some extra money to put into my travel fund. Best Purchases 1) New bathing suit at Target. I've never worn a bikini before and was in an "I don't care what people think" mood so I bought a bikini! I wear it every time I go to the pool or beach now! 2) Trashcan at Costco. Yes that was one of my best purchases. I'm picky in that I wanted stainless steel with a closeable lid. Do you know those things cost at least $50 if not more...even at Wal-Mart? Well, Costco had an eco-friendly, motion sensor stainless steel for $30. It went home with me that day! Regrettable Purchases 1) Blackfinn Pub - I spent $9.00 on a glass of wine when I could have bought a whole bottle of the same wine for the same price at Total Wine. I was quite the active little introvert during July, however, a lot of the activities included meals which made meal ...