Whether you’re staying in a university dormitory or dwelling in an apartment, it is essential that you get to stay with a roommate that has the same room etiquette as you do. One of the worst things that could happen is to share a room with a bad roommate. Not only are they noisy and absolute filth mongers, they are a potential menace not only to you but to the entire dormitory as well.

It should be essential that you’re familiar with a bad roommate signs before the inevitable happens. This article enumerates some of the most common ways of identifying one, and how they fare compared to normal roommates.

10. Smelly Clothes and Towels

Smelly clothes and filthy towels are a staple in many shared rooms. Because most of the time you and your roommate are at work or school, the smelly socks, underwear and shirts just pile up one after the other. What can you do? Store your discarded clothes in a discreet, compact place. Remember to wash these clothes before the week ends to avoid heavily rancid clothes.

What normal roommates do: As advised, normal roommates collect their dirty clothes somewhere hidden and compact, like a container under the bed or an extra bag.

What BAD roommates do: Scatter their filthy garments all over the place so your room looks like the aftermath of a natural disaster.

 

(But if you’re up to the task of making your room fresh just follow these simple steps on How To Get Rid Of Musty Clothes Smell.)

9. Snoring and Sleeptalking

Snoring and sleeptalking are other sources of irritation among roommates. These habits wake you up when you’re asleep and keep you up when you’re awake. The worst thing about this is the the snorer is comfortably dozing, while those around him or her listen to an unwanted musical recitation.

What normal roommates do: Normal roommates try several methods to ease their snoring, like elevating their beds, exercising, or clearing their throat before sleeping.

What bad roommates do: They’re perfectly aware that they snore when sleeping, and will strategically place a megaphone beside their bed before they doze off.

 

(The key to survival is learning the guide on How To Have A Snore-Free Night.)

8. Foulmouthing

Foulmouthing is common, particularly among male roommates. Although it is frowned upon, foulmouthing is acceptable as long it is not directed at anyone and done discreetly.

What a normal roommates do: They foulmouth only if it’s absolutely inevitable.

What bad roommates do: They swear all the time - at you, the letter carrier, and even the TV.

7. Pranks

Pranks are ordinary routine among roommates; engaging in one is actually a form of socializing and a way to express camaraderie. Pranks should be funny enough to be remembered, but harmless enough so there’s no lasting ill effects.

What normal roommates do: Use highly-effective but safe surprises or practical jokes.

What bad roommates do: Engage in pranks that usually end with someone bleeding.

 

(If you’re always on the losing end, why not try it on your officemate, there are 35 Pranks That You Can Play On Your Officemates.)

6. Meddling

Although it is ideal that you’re distanced from your roommate’s personal life as much as possible, sometimes you can’t help but get interested in a few of their secrets. If something like that happens, you should first ask permission. If he or she declines, then that’s the end of it. If he or she does let you know them, then you should be careful not to give them away.

What normal roommates will do: After knowing your secret, good roommates usually leave it be, or give advice if the secret turns out to be a personal problem.

What BAD roommates will do: Publish all of your secrets on the Internet for all the world to see.

 

(A piece of advice you must know theTips And Tricks To Protect Your Personal Data.)

5. Bad Manners

Bad manners are always a no-no when sharing a room. If you’re trying to avoid conflict, you might as well know how not to provoke it. A simple apology will ease any heated arguments and prevent any untoward confrontations that may happen later.

What normal roommates do: A roommate with an outburst of bad manners will almost always apologize after a short while. Some will even extend a gesture of offering you something as a sincere way of saying “I’m sorry for my emotional outbursts”.

What bad roommates do: A bad roommate with an outburst of bad manners will usually maintain the outburst for several years.

4. Parties

We all get tired of each other’s faces sometimes, so it’s alright to bring in friends occasionally. Remember to let your roommate know about any get-together, and make sure your guests leave before bedtime, as your roommate also needs to rest.

What normal roommates do: They schedule their parties when they know you’ll be out. By the time time you arrive home, they’ve already cleaned up.

What bad roommates do: Lock the door so you can’t get in until the next morning, only to discover the whole room covered with seven different kinds of bodily fluids.

3. Bad Hygiene

Proper hygiene should be observed when you’re sharing a room with someone. Not only is bad hygiene unhealthy, but it may also cause unwanted hostilities with your roommate.

What normal roommates do: Once informed that they smell or look grimy, they will acknowledge it and head to the showers as soon as possible. If you are the one offending them, they inform you in the most polite way possible.

What bad roommates do: Shove your face up their armpits.

2. Alcoholism

Getting drunk is one of the things all roommates should avoid or at least minimize. Some dormitories forbid drinking altogether within dorm premises. If you can’t avoid drinking, just remember to be sober enough so you still know what you’re doing when you get home.

What normal roommates do: Some don’t drink at all, while others only drink enough. Those who get drunk readily apologize by the next morning.

What bad roommates do: They barf on your bed and won’t remember a thing the next morning.

1. Illegal Stuff

One of the most telling signs that your roommate is not just bad, but potentially dangerous, is illegal stuff. Be it drugs, firearms, smuggled goods, or the like, illegal paraphernalia is a tell-tale sign that your roommate – and you – are in deep trouble. If such an unlikely event does happen, it is advisable that, once you confirm that they are illegal, you inform the authorities at once. Failure to do so may result in your roommate’s escape, or even worse.

What normal roommates do: Normal roommates don’t have illegal stuff with them.

What bad roommates do: Once they know you know what they know, you don’t wanna know.

A complete nightmare can still be prevented even if you come face to face with the roommate from hell. Sometimes, being a warm and good-natured roommate can do wonders. Just welcome them and show them that you’re not hostile, but not intimidated either. All is not lost for a bad roommate.