Located in Hot Springs, AR, United States
The definition of a good roommate to me would be a person who is out-going, tidy, responsible, considerate, diligent and most importantly sociable. These are just a few characteristics that define what is desirable to me in choosing a roommate and are my guidelines when choosing a roommate. But a few more come to mind, though this can be considered to be picky and thus rule me out of someone else’s list.
For example, from experience I have come to realize that people hate being told what to do so a good roommate should naturally be responsible since this eliminates the potential for friction. I had a roommate who used to skip class then later on vilify me for being selfish and inconsiderate for not insisting on her going to class with me.
Another example is the issue of tidiness. Who wants to come into their abode and be greeted by a mirage of dirty laundry or half-eaten sandwiches? This not only breeds pests and diseases, but is also a general discomfort (for most people).
Consideration for others’ wellbeing and their personal values is an important element for amiable relationships. A roommate who brings strange house guests into the house at all hours and shows no concern for one’s privacy and personal space is quite irritating.
Diligence is a quality that is essential. If you are too lazy to do simple tasks as clean up after yourself then late rent payments and dependency are bound to follow soon.
Lastly, sociability and being out-going is important to maintaining a friendly relationship. For example in the ad put up by Bryan, he expects that there be little or no social interaction between him and his roommate. He may get very few responses because most people like to have friends as roommates with whom they could hang out. On the other hand, most people would want to hang out with an edgy and rude person.
