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Overcoming The Awkward Phase

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How can I overcome the awkward phase of a new roommate moving in?

Overcoming The Awkward Phase

Finding roommates is the easy part, but learning to live in tandem with a stranger is much tougher. No matter how busy both of your lives are, you're going to cross paths sooner or later whether it's in the kitchen over breakfast or while getting ready for work. The degree and length of the awkward phase depends a lot on your personality. Do you make friends easily? Have no problem striking conversation? Or are you a loner by nature, shy, or more of an introvert by nature? If you're finding it difficult to break the ice after your new roommate moves in, try these tricks to ease the transition:

1) Show your true personality. Don't try to be someone you're not. If you do, it will come across as being artificial and stiff. If you were honest right up front, your new roommate should already have a good idea of what you're all about.

2) Recognize that your roommate might be feeling a little out of place while he/she becomes accustomed to the new environment and living situation. Invite the roommate to incorporate some of their personal artefacts (photographs, art, etc.) into the living area to make it feel more like home to him/her.

3) Don't let your new roommate hide in his/her bedroom on the evenings when you're both home. Ask him or her to invite a couple of friends over, and then invite some of your own friends for an evening getting to know each other. Play a board game, get out some wine and cheese, beer and pizza, or have a fondue party!

Just remember, it might be a little awkward when your new roommate first moves in, but it's probably worse for them while they familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

   

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