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Living with roommates can either be the most entertaining and fun experience, or it can be extremelyannoying.

The ladys aunt had let them live there rent-free as long as they kept the home clean.

Unfortunately, the other woman turned out to be very messy and unaware of it.

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He is from the Center For Social Confidence and helps people liberate themselves from self-doubt and social anxiety.

He explained that this kind of situation is a perfect storm for resentment to build.

When that happens, its easy to start thinking, why should I keep doing this?

Two friends sitting on a car, enjoying a scenic view, illustrating a best friend’s outdoor escape from their living situation.

Why dont they care as much as I do?

But before you do that, take a moment to get clear on what you want to say.

Ask yourself: Whats the specific behavior thats bothering me?

Text discussing best friend and challenging living situation with aunt.

Be as specific as possible.

Then, think about what you want to ask for.

The clearer you are, the easier itll be to communicate.

Text about the surprising entitlement of a best friend in a challenging living situation.

When you bring it up, keep the focus on the behavior, not the person.

Can we figure out a way to divide things more evenly?

This keeps the conversation collaborative rather than accusatory, he added.

Text describing a friend’s messy living situation due to laziness and lack of cleanliness.

Dr. Aziz explained that one should be ready to set boundaries.

I need us to stick to the plan we agreed on.

Its okay to let them know how their actions, or lack of action, are affecting you.

Person with dreadlocks in cluttered living room, navigating the challenges of a chaotic living situation.

You dont have to sugarcoat it, he added.

The OP hadnt set firm boundaries with her roommate, so eventually all of her resentment came spewing out.

She told Sarahs aunt exactly why the house was unclean, and she didnt hold back on anything.

Text describing house chores related to a challenging living situation with a best friend.

Living rent-free is a big deal, but so is your peace of mind.

Your mental health and well-being are worth it, he explained.

Sometimes, its important to be firm with people who just seem to be taking advantage of your kindness.

Text discussing a best friend and messy living situation due to Sarah, with an absence for dog sitting.

The OP also told folks that shed eventually be finding another place to stay.

Hopefully shed not have to shoulder the entire responsibility of managing a house despite having a roommate.

Do you think the woman handled this situation correctly by complaining to Sarahs aunt?

Text describing a messy living situation with trash on furniture and floors uncleaned.

Let us know what you would have done if you were in her shoes.

Check out the results:

Person sitting in a cluttered room, reflecting on a best friend trash living situation, surrounded by scattered items.

Text describing a stressful conversation about unfair house cleaning duties and the impact on a friendship.

Text excerpt showing frustration over cleaning and best friend’s trash living situation.

A woman looking stressed, holding her head, likely reflecting on a difficult living situation with her best friend.

Comment thread discussing a conflict about a friend’s living situation and house cleanliness.

Reddit comments about moving out, discussing a living situation.

Reddit conversation about moving out due to a tough living situation with a best friend.

Reddit comment discussing accountability in a messy living situation with a best friend.

Reddit comment discussing a best friend’s messy living situation and landlord communication.

Text from a forum post discussing a best friend trash living situation and its impact on rent and tenant dynamics.

Reddit comment on best friend trash living situation, saying they waited too long to act.

Text comment about a best friend’s challenging living situation and personal responsibility.

Comment suggesting a best friend change their living situation

Comment discussing best friend’s trash living situation with advice on handling issues with Sarah.