What to Do If You’re Quarantining With Someone You Can’t Stand
Quarantine is tough, even under the best of circumstances—and it's particularly difficult if you're cooped up with someone you don't like or don't get along with—whether that be a sibling, parent, roommate, whatever.
Regardless of the nature, there are certain steps you can take to make this uncertain time more comfortable and easier for everyone involved. Scroll down for tips on what to do if you're currently quarantined with someone you can't stand.
Set a Time to Talk
The only way anything will change is if you sit down and discuss what's bothering you. Does the person you're quarantining with monopolize the communal living space? Do they fail to do their part to keep your living space clean? Whatever the issue may be, it's important to address it in a calm yet straightforward manner so the necessary changes can be made.
Remember: No matter what happens, you likely still need to live together for the foreseeable future, so it's in everyone's best interest to get to a better place. That means you need to check how you're expressing yourself—no eye rolls, sighing or insulting body language that's only likely to escalate an already uncomfortable situation.
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Establish Some Ground Rules
During your talk, it's important to establish some ground rules that you both will follow. For example, if you feel uncomfortable having other people in your house during this time, let that be known. Just make sure that whatever rules you establish, both of you are able to easily agree on. Without an agreement, all of that work won't mean anything.
Be Prepared to Compromise
While you may have been the one who brought up any initial issues to your roommate, sibling or whoever you're quarantining with, it's important for you to acknowledge that there are likely some things you will have to change about your routine as well. Chances are, if you're annoyed with this person about something, they might be frustrated with you, too. No one is perfect. Keep in mind that each of you will probably have to change at least one thing about what you're doing in order to make the problem better.
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Get Proactive
If you can, start making any necessary changes right after you have your initial discussion. These adjustments should reflect whatever issues you addressed and are meant to show your quarantine partner that you're serious about improving your own behavior, and hopefully they'll take the hint and follow your lead. Depending on the nature of your issues, these adjustments could involve anything from creating a schedule in your space to making a chore wheel or something similar. The idea is that these tools will help you avoid any conflict going forward.
Have a Check-In
About a week or two after you've made the additional adjustments, it's important to have a check-in with your living mate. If they've made positive changes based on your earlier concerns, be sure to acknowledge that. Similarly, if there are still improvements to be made, bring that up as well. Just make sure you give your roommate adequate time to address their own concerns as well. It takes two parties to make this tricky time work for everyone.
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For more quarantine content, click HERE for restaurant dishes you can make at home while in isolation.