Expert: Susan Dunn, Dating Coach - 6/6/2008

Question
Hi,

I'm 27 years old and I have 2 roommates, one is 22 and the other 24. Back in February they both screamed at me for forgetting to clean the apartment for 4 weeks. It was my turn to do it that month and I completely forgot every weekend because I had a lot of exams and they didn't have any exams. So they got really angry, screaming at me and saying a lot of rude things.

But after that I have always helped them clean, so it is ok. We haven't had any problems after that.

However, whenever I walk by their rooms I always hear both of them whispering about me and my name being said, they are gossiping about whatever they don't like about me, and when I walk by they stop talking and look embarrassed. They are both smirking and laughing about me quietly.

So it is June now and I am moving out of the apt this August and will be moving back in with my parents. So I have 11 more weeks to live with them.

I thought I would just ignore it for the next 11 weeks and just concentrate on school.

Or should I mention something to them? It's getting reeeeeeally annoying. I know 3 months will be here soon enough...but still...eleven weeks is a long time when you're constantly being talked about.

thanks

Answer
Well, you must admit it wasn't cool that you didn't hold up your part of the agreement and clean when you were supposed to.  I wonder, though, if they are really talking about you.  It sounds uncomfortable.  You could have a discussion with them about this, and probably learn something.  I hope you can smooth it out, because it's uncomfortable to live with people with whom you are not speaking.

This is a great opportunity to increase your emotional intelligence by working this through.  If you'd like some tips, take my EQ Course.  It will help you in ALL areas of your life.  Email me at sdunn@susandunn.cc for more information.  

After all, knowing how to get along is one of the most important life skills there is.

All the best,
Susan Dunn
www.susandunn.cc