Looking for Roommate Advice: Common area invasion

Contributor: Ex-prude Ex-prude
Roommates suck, but if you don't say anything to her, then you shouldn't be complaining here. It's only a problem when she says she won't do anything to remedy it. Talking should always be the first approach with these sorts of things.
08/23/2012
Contributor: Gdom Gdom
It seems fine for her to use the space WHILE SHE'S ACTUALLY WORKING (provided you don't desperately need the space at that time), but not to store all of her stuff there. You live there too and it's perfectly reasonable to want, you know, a place to eat.
08/23/2012
Contributor: Missmarc Missmarc
Quote:
Originally posted by Lady of the Lab
My roommate designs & makes costumes for several theater companies, as well as commissions. I've noticed since the last show that the dining area has been swamped with her work. This is an issue because the one place to sit and eat is on the ... more
You are being reasonable.
08/23/2012
Contributor: LAndJ LAndJ
Totally reasonable, you both pay to share the space, but it doesn't sound like much sharing is going on.
08/23/2012
Contributor: Stinkytofu10 Stinkytofu10
Quote:
Originally posted by Lady of the Lab
My roommate designs & makes costumes for several theater companies, as well as commissions. I've noticed since the last show that the dining area has been swamped with her work. This is an issue because the one place to sit and eat is on the ... more
You are being reasonable.
08/23/2012
Contributor: Lady of the Lab Lady of the Lab
Quote:
Originally posted by unfulfilled
Good luck to you, I'm sure you can come up with a compromise to this situation as well. What does the third roommate think about it?

I don't think you're being unreasonable.
He agrees with me. I am waiting for her to return from dinner.
08/23/2012
Contributor: Lady of the Lab Lady of the Lab
Quote:
Originally posted by Ex-prude
Roommates suck, but if you don't say anything to her, then you shouldn't be complaining here. It's only a problem when she says she won't do anything to remedy it. Talking should always be the first approach with these sorts of things.
I am planning on talking to her & I do admit I was complaining. I wanted advice because she is a friend of mine & I do not want to hurt her feelings.
08/23/2012
Contributor: PepperPot PepperPot
Difficult as it may be, she should clean up all her materials from the common room each time she uses it, just as you do... if she's in there so much of the time that you can't even use the common area, then a talk between the two of you to reach a compromise is in order.
08/23/2012
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
I hope your conversation goes well. Since you are friends, hopefully you'll be able to come to an agreement. Keep us posted!
08/23/2012
Contributor: gsfanatic gsfanatic
Reasonable. You respect her need to work, but it shouldn't ruin your ability to eat and enjoy your shared space
08/23/2012
Contributor: Allstars316 Allstars316
Yes you need to sit down with your roommate and talk. I'm sure all the items can be moved and you can have the space.
08/24/2012
Contributor: Danielle1220 Danielle1220
You are being very reasonable. Everyone needs their space and a common area should not be taken over with one person's stuff when there are other people living in a house. Make some suggestions on other ideas for her work.
08/24/2012
Contributor: Lady of the Lab Lady of the Lab
Update:

I did talk to my roommate and the mess has improved... however, the temporary fix of moving it to another room (where my other roommate was) is no longer adequate because a new roommate is moving in. She is not interested in using the storage container I suggested or moving it into her bedroom, so I'll be talking to her again to figure out a different solution : /

Thanks for the input and support ~
09/24/2012