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Entertaining in shared space

July 3, 2012 | Filed under: Featured,Roommates | Posted by: Eiskaffe

Not everyone is a “people person.” That doesn’t mean that you can’t entertain in your shared apartment.

Have you ever heard someone say, “He’s not a people-person,” meaning that someone isn’t social or personable? Folks in this category value their personal space, their privacy, and a sense of predictability. They may be great roommates, just not the biggest partiers on the block.

While that personality type isn’t conducive to entertaining, it doesn’t mean that you can never have friends over. It’s your rental, too! Learn to entertain without ticking off your peer who is paying rent.

Your friends are probably cool and understanding people. And they’ve likely had antisocial roommates or family members before. Let your friends know what is off limits and what is fair game before activities begin. Don’t try to fill in the blanks as you go or it might be too late. (“So I shouldn’t have drank that imported wine?”)
If they broke it, you bought it. If a guest breaks, eats, or otherwise disturbs something that is your roommate’s, attempt to make amends by offering to replace the item with one of equal or greater value. That’s not really negotiable. It’s responsible.
Advance notice saves lives. Unless your roommate is a complete pain, giving advance notice about parties usually calms any brewing storms. Let him know when the party starts and ends and what sort of noise he could expect. If it’s a problem, he will have ample time to escape to his girlfriend’s house or buy earplugs. If that’s not an option you may even offer to foot half the bill for a decent hotel room. Either way, it’s important to keep in mind that you both have equal rights to the space.
Invite your roomie. Even if you’re positive he will say no, invite your roommate to your event. He might just surprise you and be a big help (or at least be pleasant to your guests).