What’s mine isn’t yours

Sharing with others is lovely and all, but just because you like sharing your home and possessions with others doesn’t mean they’re gonna reciprocate.

One of the general rules about sharing living space with others is not to take advantage. That means not having your stuff everywhere without leaving room for your flatmates’ books, DVDs, trinkets, foodstuff, etc. Remember, you pay only a portion of the rent because you’re only entitled to a portion of the living space. That means your bedroom is yours and everything else is shared – except for the other housemates’ bedrooms and private ensuites. Everything they own i.e. stuff they’ve bought, acquired, begged, borrowed or stole (except from you) is theirs. Don’t go messing with their personal shit. Unless they insist you share their mayonnaise, use their personal laptop, scratch their CDs. You get the drift?

Also, while many people love a full house, people calling, late night parties, sometimes its nice to be able to enjoy the sittingroom or kitchen without having to share it with other people’s friends, family, boyfriends or girlfriends.

It’s also pleasant to have polite conversation or late night chats where you all reveal your deepest darkest secrets. But not every bloody night. Give people space. Find a happy medium, find balance, find some other space to hang out a few nights a week. Make your own space sure enough, but just don’t encroach on others. You may have moved in together, but you’re not joined at the hip!