Sharing a flat with other people has both it’s pros and cons. It takes a certain amount of flexibility, and compromise for everyone to co exist in the same living space. Of course it almost never runs smoothly. There is inevitably periods when just being around someone else gets on your nerves, and can cause arguments if you don’t recognise the signs early enough.

For me, moving back into a flat with other people was a big stretch. It was a necessary one because I was financially drowning living on my own, but still it was a difficult transition to make. The flat I’m currently sharing with three of my best friends is a decent place, but because there are four of us, things tend to get messy very quickly, but not always cleaned up as quickly. Before when I lived on my own I knew the responsibility to do everything fell onto my shoulders. I was the only one living there and that meant the mess was mine and mine alone. Now if there’s a mess it could be caused by anyone.

Another thing I’m slightly struggling with is the fact that I do on occasion prefer to spend time by myself, relaxing, and being separated from everyone and everything. It’s a period where I let myself just switch off and recharge. That’s something I’ve struggled to do here. If I want time to myself I need to go to my room to chill out, but you still know that there are other people in the flat with you capable of bursting your bubble of isolation and relaxation.

I don’t want to suggest it’s all a bad situation. There are plenty of good points sharing with others. For example if you do want to be social and hang out with your friends, it doesn’t involve anything more difficult than walking to your living room. Plus the financial savings aspect of it all is unbeatable.

It is simply like any other situation, it takes time to adjust and find your comfort zone. You have to sit down with each other and figure out some ground rules, and respect the fact that other people live with you. It’s not a difficult thing to do, it just needs people to make the effort.

At the moment the situation is proving… difficult, but I’ve no doubts everything will turn out just fine.

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