Roommates have roles that extend beyond merely dividing rent, bills, and shared living spaces. Unfortunately, having roommates also heightens the risk of transmitting infections. According to federal census data, 33% of American adults live in shared households.
You’re Spending More Time with Your Roommate Than Ever
Depending on the lockdown measures in your state, you might be facing various business restrictions or closures. Establishments like restaurants, shops, bars, gyms, and theaters may be entirely closed or have stringent entry rules.
This translates to increased time spent at home, and consequently, more interactions with your roommate. If you’ve recently transitioned to working from home, your roommate may have shifted from a pleasant companion to someone harder to tolerate. It’s crucial to establish boundaries to maintain a healthy coexistence.
While it’s normal to feel frustrated by having your roommate around constantly, remember that they might also pose a health risk if they bring the Coronavirus into your home.
Is It Time for a New Roommate?
No matter how much you and your roommate agree on pandemic safety measures, not everyone will take these protocols seriously or follow them diligently. Be cautious of roommates who neglect to wear masks, skip handwashing, don’t stay home enough, or allow visitors into your shared space.
It’s wise to reconsider living with anyone who isn’t committed to a mutually agreed-upon schedule for cleaning and disinfecting your shared environment. Additionally, if your roommate is categorized as a frontline or “essential” worker while you work from home, they are constantly at risk of introducing the virus into your living space.
Can You Trust Your Roommate?
Hopefully, you share your home with individuals who regard this health threat as seriously as you do. If they are diligent about cleanliness and social distancing, you are likely in a safer situation. Nonetheless, it’s beneficial to have a candid discussion about your plan of action if someone in your household does get sick.
The CDC offers valuable resources on this topic, and NPR has compiled an insightful summary. Utilize this information to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue about preparing for potential worst-case scenarios.
Finding a New Roommate
At some point during these challenging times, you might consider bringing a new roommate into your life. This decision can stem from various reasons, including but not limited to:
– Seeking a change
– Wanting to relocate
– Looking for someone more responsible
– Hoping to connect with someone who shares similar values
– Wanting to save money if you’re currently without a roommate
– Needing someone who respects your workspace and alone time
How to Proceed
In the past, you might have casually reached out to your social circle to find a suitable roommate, but during a pandemic, your social interactions are considerably limited. Getting out may not be feasible.
Advertising online is always an option, but you may end up overwhelmed with responses. Moreover, in-person meetings to gauge compatibility—and to visit potential shared spaces—carry considerable risk at this time.
Fortunately, there are roommate matching services designed to streamline the process and enhance safety. One such service is RoomMatch.com, which offers a compatibility quiz that essentially asks questions you might wish you could have asked your previous roommate prior to cohabitation.
Establishing Expectations and Getting Acquainted
RoomMatch inquires about topics such as firearms, alcohol consumption, vaping, and marijuana use. It also covers lifestyle preferences, house rules, and personal habits, allowing you to gain a better understanding of a potential roommate before they move in.
Narrowing Down Your Options
Sorting through hundreds or even thousands of potential inquiries can be time-consuming, especially when most may not fit your needs. RoomMatch.com simplifies this process by not only identifying the right candidates but also ensuring they align with your budget for rent and utilities.
Prioritizing Safety
RoomMatch features an internal messaging system that allows you to connect with prospective roommates or landlords without needing to share your personal phone number or email until you’re comfortable doing so.
Starting Off on the Right Foot
If you’ve recently parted ways with a previous roommate due to their handling of COVID, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation with your new one. The NPR link previously mentioned offers excellent guidance in case someone tests positive for the Coronavirus.
You should also engage in proactive conversations about various scenarios—when everyone is healthy, when someone is at risk, and when someone has contracted the virus. Addressing these three situations with a new roommate equips you to be proactive rather than discovering too late that you’re living with someone you can’t rely on.
Given the circumstances, your well-being truly depends on it.
