Room-Mat-ing......

Hi,
I am back to writing ....(plz bear me once again!). Since coming to the U.S., I have had a myriad of experiences more personal, than professional. Some are good, others are nasty while there are some which are just strange! Well, the first thing to do when we come arrive is to find a house and people who can stay with ya (by sharing rent of course! we are cheap!). These "people" or "persons" are called "roomies". Many of my close friends too had trouble finding good roomies, whilst others had trouble getting rid of the BAD ones! Well, here are a few observations...about roomies and some pointers to get you started, in general.

1) As many point out, a good friend might not turn out to be a good roomie.
2) Be aware of sweet talking people who approach you for a roomie request. Statistically, these are the ones who want to get work done from you! (ALL OF IT!!)
3) A person who often shows non chalance when it comes to matters of food, mostly is going to suck as a roomie. (Since he/she (if you are lucky!) may not be interested in cooking edible products)
4) History bears testimony to...............(that was just to grab attention!)
The best of friends can be the worst of roomies!! Try to be a roomate with a friend who has a history of being a good roomie as well. OR better still, tie up with a total stranger.
5) When it comes to disagreements, your behavior and personality as well as people skills matter. If you are known to be a bull headed ,headstrong person, just lock horns with the person who is arguing! For people like me (who are diplomatic) you have to walk a tight rope. DONOT hit back and try to pacify the sparring parties. (Machiavelli says this is a good situation to score brownie points!!! on either side!)
6) COOKING-1: This has been a subject over which roomates have split and fought like knights in shining armor fighting over a fair maiden! (with vessels etc..). You can never be sure of the "roomate" being a good cook. Please donot over expect ,neither should you under-expect (hows that for neologism over,under etc).
Some roomies are understanding ,but seem to be a rarity. Most others tend to think they are country cousins of "Tarla Dalal" or "Sanjeev Kapur".( You might suck as a cook if you are wondering who these ppl are!).
7) COOKING-2: IF you are stuck with a bunch of people who cook as bad (or worse than you !!) then here are some suggestions...a)Buy lot of ready to make vegetables from Patel bros or any ready to eat stuff from any grocery store. b)Try to find a house (preferrably one full of good looking girls who cook as well are friendly).Befriend them, and you know what ................( share their groceries ! what did you think?). For those who can ,eat out on the eve of your roomies cooking turn. He/she might do the same if you are a bad cook!!!
8) COOKING-3: The best idea is to get a girlfriend/boyfriend or import one from India and make her/him cook. Girlfriends are a good choice given their proven skills. Guys are a makeshift suggestion for girls who donot like to cook. One more idea for the male gang....try to be good friends with ur girl's roomies! In case you both break up, your stomach doesn't have to suffer!!!
9) RENT: This has been a bane for many students who come to the U.S. "My roomie $^@&*$ doesn't pay a dime!!!" and "Shell out the rent $%$@^" are some of the commonly heard dialogues. Well, I have heard of roomies stealing crockery and spoons,forks etc too! Currently there is no panacea to this situation, but there are a few suggestions. Try to divide bills equally amongst all,instead of one person paying for all. As time passes, the others forget to give their share and it becomes difficult to make them come to terms with the fact that they need to pay to stay!
10) SLEEP: If you are one of those (like me) who donot have your girlfriend as your roomie..then here are a few tips- Tell them blankly if they snore. Guys especially snore and donot admit! Well, if you have roomies who sleep walking and talking..then all the best !