Oh the aching clarity of hindsight.
I know that I try not to grumble to people, so let me grumble here on this little web post.
Looking back, ever having roommates was the best/worst decision Kyle and I ever made. Certainly, while we were all lonesome up here, we thought we’d do just about anything to convince some friends to come up here too.
Sure, there are a lot of highlights to look back on, and we definitely felt like a family. But like most families, we’ve fought and have been completely dysfunctional. All the nice stuff we invested in buying when we first came up here has been abused by 5-6 different people at different times. Our plates, glasses, silverware…our couch, tv, dinning table, chairs, etc etc. After about 2 years of doing this, we’ve had plates and glasses broken and never replaced. And find ourselves with our friends owing us up to almost $1000. No one ever bought their own dish soap, cleaning supplies, soap, toilet paper, or anything like that. In fact, Kyle and I eventually began hiding our food in our room.
Certainly, our friends mean more to us than money. But at the same time, it would be nice to have some acknowledgement of our generosity. Or to just not be so poor we can barely get by.
Though I try to find the silver lining in everything, this has definitely been a learning experience. Even people who you consider to be really good friends will take advantage of you.
So, word to the wise…no matter how different you think your scenario will be, moving in with friends is almost never a good idea. All the things you think won’t be a big deal or bother you, eventually will.
Kyle and I would be so much better off if we had never gotten roommates. But that’s how life goes, right?