Most roommate horror stories are a litany of ?she did this? or ? he did that?, but the truth of the matter is that sharing housing is a situation, like any relationship, that is a two-way street. How smooth or bumpy your living arrangements end up really can be effected by your choices as well as your roommate's.

You can't guarantee things will work out by including a clause in your roommate lease agreement, but you can own up to your part of the relationship by acknowledging that your behavior effects your living conditions.

Tips for being a good roommate

?Clean up after yourself ? Possibly the most common source of friction between roommates is housekeeping. Ironically, this is also one of the easiest problems to avoid. Whether the issue started over an ever-present pile of dishes in the sink or a mountain of laundry left on the bathroom floor, it can escalate pretty quickly. The easiest way to avoid hostility with your roommate is to simply pick up after yourself?every time.

?Respect privacy ? Even if you and your roommate become close friends, there is still a line between your life and theirs. Mail, phone calls, belongings, etc are all private. Respecting your roommate's privacy is part of showing respect for them as a person ? the foundation of any relationship. If they want to share personal information, they will, otherwise keep your distance.

?Share the burdens equally ? Shared housing means shared bills and shared responsibility. Often housemate rules or roommate lease agreements specify big issues such as who will pay for what. When it comes to the nitty-gritty of daily life, though, common sense can't be underestimated. If your roommate vacuumed the living room, don't wait for an invitation, go ahead and vacuum the dining room. If they usually pick up the mail during the week, take on the job during the weekends.

?Be considerate ?Sharing space with someone means your behavior has an impact on them, intended or not. Things like the volume of a stereo, unexpected parties late at night or using all the hot water for an extra long shower can cause problems.

Go out of your way to communicate - Don't be afraid to sit down periodically and check in with other on how things are going. It's easier to work out a problem that just started than to resolve a long-standing sore spot.

Go out of your way to communicate - Don't be afraid to sit down periodically and check in with other on how things are going. It's easier to work out a problem that just started than to resolve a long-standing sore spot.