Whether you've known your roommate your whole life or just a few days, living closely together can be a challenge. School is stressful and dorm life tends to bring out the weirdest parts of people. So if you're starting to think "I can't live with this person," here are some creative ways to rekindle the roomie love.
A shared show is friendship at its finest. Nothing brings people together like saying, "Want to go back and watch Netflix?" after a big social event. Pick a show with your roommate and commit to always watching the latest episode with them. The bond that comes from a mutual love of "Friends" is nearly supernatural.
Ask and listen
You might feel like you know your roommate pretty well because you live with them. But knowing their morning routine is a lot different than knowing the state of their heart. Ask them how they are, and ask them why. Care for the dull and the exciting. Anyone can listen to a thrilling pick-a-date debacle but listening to awkward, ordinary stories is love.
Offer words of affirmation
Insecurity is pretty much a problem for everyone, all the time. Affirm your roommate in their major. Affirm them in their gifts. When they're feeling embarrassed, show them all the reasons why they're good with people. Be genuine and specific. Encouragement after a hard day of messing up is welcome relief.
Make sure they're awake
They may hate you in the moment, but their 8 a.m. lab grade will thank you later. Try to make a pact and keep each other accountable for getting up on time. The degree of force you need to use will vary depending on your roommate's stubbornness. Whether it takes a gentle whisper or near-violent shaking, make sure your roommate knows early on that it's all in love.
Share your food
A communal bag of M&M's is the purest form of affection. You can still have your own personal stash, but designating shared food is critical to the cultivation of a loving, lasting relationship. Sharing really is caring . . . especially when it involves those muffins your mom sent you.
Hug them
Just do this a lot. When it's a good day and when it's a bad day. When you've been apart for a weekend or an hour. This small act of kindness is good not only for your roommate, but also for you. If your roommate isn't that touchy, that's okay too. Candy or cards are just as sweet.
Hang out with them outside of the room
To love is to take a holistic interest in another person. Support them in their hobbies. Go to their games and shows. Go to the store with them, sit by them at lunch and meet their parents when they visit. Go out and love your roommate all the time, not just in the room.
Leave notes
Big test? Good hair day? Solid pillow talk last night? Leave them a note where they'll see it and tell them you're glad to be living with them. It doesn't matter if they already know. It's the thoughtful little things that strengthen your love. If you hardly know your roommate or you're kind of scared of them, this is still a good habit to form. A sticky note on a mirror never hurt anyone.
9. Be considerate
Don't slam the door when you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Turn your light off, talk on the phone in the lounge, and be careful with their clothes. These actions are practical, though sometimes inconvenient. But huge love is often found in small gestures of kindness.
10. Pray for them.
Be sensitive to what your roommate is struggling with. Know his or her life and what's happening. Seek out his or her needs and ask God to give them wisdom and rest.
And keep thanking Him for putting you two together . . . and for that communal bag of M&M's.
