You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your roommates wisely if you take time to do so.

A good roommate is aware of him or herself, yet still mindful of others; bad roommates usually do not care at all.

Living with someone for a long period of time is not just a slumber party. Roommates are sharing their lives and, ultimately, everyone should feel comfortable – but not too comfortable. Being too comfortable can lead to overstepping boundaries and making others feel uncomfortable. There should be order but not too many rules. Certain courtesies are just common sense.

“(Cleaning up after yourself) is a big thing for me. I don’t like having to go through and make some kind of chore-wheel or constantly have to be managing people,” said Sacramento State English Language Institute Program Representative Alex Shigenaga. “I like roommates who are conscientious. I think they should take the time to think about what you are thinking, clean up their own dishes.”

The golden rule is the best one to live by: treat others the way you want to be treated. It is the simplest rule to abide by, but broken often. Breaking this rule can lead to conflicts.

Any relationship has struggles. The best way to minimize conflict and deal with problems when they occur is through calm communication.

It is better to start a partnership trying to make each other feel welcomed. Disclosing your likes, habits and pet peeves to one another is a good icebreaker. Prior knowledge of these facts could help prevent future problems and open the door to establish compromises.

Roommates should not have to tiptoe past each other at all times. However, tiptoeing at 3 a.m. when a roommate is sleeping is perfectly acceptable.

A good roommate recognizes the difference between his or her private space and the common space everyone shares. A bad roommate somehow thinks he or she is living alone – and probably should.

Not every circumstance can be concluded as being good or bad. No one’s living situation will ever be exactly the same because it is based on an individual’s perspectives and experiences.

Sometimes home really isn’t where your heart is. It is just a place where you put your stuff.

“We get along okay, but using each other’s stuff without asking is a definite red flag to me because I find that disrespectful,” said sophomore criminal justice major Jessie Heuer. “There have been conflicts, but nothing too big. For the most part we just do our own things.”

Respect is the biggest element to living with roommates. All tenants need to work together to create a pleasant living experience for one another.

Sharing your living space with another person can be difficult, but it can also be wonderful.

Undeclared freshman Whitney Dellafosse said she loves her roommate.

“We respect each other’s privacy and property, but at the same time we pretty much share everything. We make ourselves feel at home with each other, versus just setting limits,” Dellafosse said. “We are like family now and even with family members you set boundaries.”

Eventually, the best way to enjoy living with others is to be the roommate you would like to have. Sharing a space means you share responsibilities by doing your part. You won’t have to walk on eggshells if you don’t leave them on the floor.

Ure Egbuho can be reached at [email protected]