Joanna James
There are many positives about co-living, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. You'll be sharing your living space with people who have different viewpoints about life. Hence, it is important to approach shared living with wisdom and insights.
Communication remains the linchpin of any healthy relationship. This is true even when you share a living space in serviced residences. Talk to your co-living neighbour to understand them better and become an empathetic companion. You could take the first step, introduce yourself and lay the groundwork for an open, kind and considerate relationship with your co-living neighbour. Maintain good communication at all times. Once you establish a way to communicate well, you can tackle any issue that arises with a true desire to think about the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Mutual respect makes for good neighbours and housemates. This is actually part of healthy communication. You are likely to end up sharing common spaces with people from different backgrounds. You may not always agree with them and cultural prejudices might colour your perception. Be wary of judging and 'othering.' Treat everyone the way you wish to be treated, with respect and a sense of equality.
Hygiene standards can differ from individual to individual, but no one wishes to share living spaces with a messy housemate or co-living neighbour. Always be mindful of your cleanliness. Make sure you keep everything tidy and clean and leave no mess behind you. Some basic courtesies such as sweeping up crumbs and doing your dishes after you use the kitchen are etiquette rules of sharing a common kitchen. And, if you feel like your housemates are not respecting these rules or they are demanding too much, go back to the first point and communicate with kindness and honesty. There is always a middle ground to be found.
Co-living is all about getting to know other people and mingling. However, bringing new people into shared spaces is still a huge faux pas. It would be insensitive to the needs and privacy of your co-living housemates, especially if you invite a man to an all-female space. Always go back to the first point and inform your co-living neighbours or housemate about your intentions to invite friends over.
How about sharing a cup of coffee with your co-living housemates or throwing a light-hearted party? Social gatherings help build strong friendships. You have to understand that not everyone is going to want to party all the time. But invite them to a friendly chit-chat over a meal or coffee. And, if the timing and everyone's wishes would align well, go for something more elaborate like a party. Socializing with your co-living neighbours can make the entire experience more meaningful.
The line between co-living and avoiding crossing personal boundaries can be a bit tricky. Even when you are the most outgoing person in the world, you still need your own space. This would be your room. Respect your co-living neighbours' personal spaces and expect the same courtesy from them. This is where respect and good communication comes in handy.
Disputes are bound to happen when you share living spaces with someone. When they do, it is important to keep a cool head, keep your ego in check and remember that respect and kindness go a long way. That does not mean you have to put up with wrongdoing. If anything makes you uneasy, speak up respectfully, and with the main intention of solving the problem (not scoring points). It all boils down to being a good communicator who can respect fellow human beings and enjoy getting to know different people.
And, if you feel that you are ready to try shared living spaces and serviced apartments, you could check out properties by Discover ASR in different locations around the world.
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