I have had many roommates throughout my life. Both male and female. Throughout my college years there were a number of roomates that were assigned to me and others that I chose. I think the best roomate that I ever had was one that was chosen for me. There were a group of girls my junior year in college who I was going to share a house with. Well, over the summer something happened and 2 of the girls dropped out. Sara and I were left with no where to live and decided to become roomates out of necessity. We had never met, but since we both needed a place to live....
When we first met I decided she was the best roommate ever. She had great furniture and 2 cars and was willing to share. She was very quiet and had a steady boyfriend who was helpful and respecful. She went home a lot on the weekends so wasn't around much. What more could a spoiled 19 yo girl like me want! Great apartment that she was willing to pay more money for, a car to borrow when I needed one, and the apartment to myself most weekends.
Well, over the 9 months we lived together I learned so much about this older girl and her kindness and compassion. She put up with me and all my anctics. She tolerated my late nights and loud friends. She let me borrow money when I needed it and a car when I didn't. She shared her food and helped with my assignments, when she had her own things to do. And in the process we became friends. Not the kind that go out partying every night (I had enough of those). But the kind you stay in with, the kind you pop popcorn with and watch old movies with. The kind who you stay up late watching Nick at Night with. We lived together for those 9 months. She graduated and moved away, and I got a new roommate. But I will never forget her and the things she taught me.
The best roommates may not be your first choice. They may not be the one you would have picked. But with time, carring, compasion and patience they can turn into friends. That all the things that make you think would make someone a great roommate don't really matter, what matters is their friendship.
