Living With a Significant Other: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

By Sammy K

College is the time to explore our interests and preferences, dating included, so it’s nearly impossible to find a roommate that doesn’t have a significant other. It’s usually not a problem, but sometimes a significant other can turn into a significant problem.

The Good:

• Meeting new people is fun. When you meet your roommate’s significant other, at some point you’ll probably meet their friends. Developing new friendships is a plus.
• Your roommate will split time at your place and their SO’s. This means you’ll have the place to yourself at times. As much as we can love our roommates, it’s always nice to have the place to ourselves.
• You’ll have access to new stuff! Feel like watching a movie you don’t have? Your roommate’s SO can lend it to you. It’s nice to have an open line of communication for swapping stuff.

The Bad:

• Your place might get dirtier. Having someone over a few nights a week can lead to more cleaning. Discuss this with your roommate and figure out a chore plan.
• Increase in utilities. Again, with someone over a few nights a week, that’s an increase in showers, electricity, etc. Ask your roommate if they’re willing to pay a little extra for their SO’s use of the utilities.
• May turn into an unofficial roommate. This is the worst thing that can happen in this scenario. When you have someone that is there pretty constantly, they’ve become an unofficial roommate. You’re splitting the rent with just your roommate and could definitely be spending less if your new addition paid a portion. Not only does this suck for you, but you could actually get in trouble with your landlord. If the landlord finds out someone else is living in the dwelling, you’ll probably be forced to put them on the lease.

The Ugly:

• You don’t like or get along with your roommate’s SO. There’s lots of animosity in your household and that’s no way to live. For anyone.
• Drama. The financial implications that arise from a frequent guest or unofficial roommate are very frustrating. This is undoubtedly going to cause drama between yourself and your roommate. This can make living arrangements really uncomfortable for both of you.

Unfortunately, the bad outweighs the good in situations like this. With a little planning and thorough discussion with your roommate, you can establish boundaries and avoid having a nuclear meltdown in your home.

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