Can you live like this?

I think one of the things we fail to notice in relationship with others is that there is no one on earth who will not, at some point, do something, say something, or behave in a way that isn’t irritating. It’s just part of living with those annoying creatures known as "other people". You may like them, you may love them, but as sure as God made little green apples, the people around you will eventually drive you nuts!!

Of course it's always the other guy who's not considerate, isn't it? Unfortunately they seem to perversely hold to the opinion that your own behaviour is less than stellar and that, you too, could use some fixing up. Over time we at The Mansion have come to some agreements or Consideration Guidelines that have helped ease the little tensions that arise from the petty quirks of our fellow cohabitants.

The big difference, as I see it, between a shared home and a boarding house is that in addition to having no locked rooms, a shared house is founded on agreements not rules. Life is smoother and there is less complaining, whining or gossiping if we follow a few simple guidelines.

Here is a sampling:

Do not walk into a room with people in it while speaking on your cell-phone or cordless. If your phone rings, leave the room to have your conversation.

• Why? Because only insensitive cads believe that everyone else should stop their conversation or their personal daydreams to listen in on your scintillating one-sided conversation with someone they don’t know and don’t care about.

If you are in a common area of the house, expect to be spoken to.

• Why? Who wants a moody roomie? Ugh! If you want a shoulder to cry on, we’re here. If you really want some time alone then go to your own space. Or say politely, “Sorry, I’m in a bit of a pissy mood. Do you mind if I just read or sit here quietly by myself?”

If you are the last to leave late afternoon – turn on the porch lights.

• Why? It’s yucky, scary and unpleasant jamming a key into the door hoping to eventually find the keyhole. And, some of us ladies don’t feel safe walking up to a darkened house. It’s true we should be over the boogieman fears by now, but wouldn’t it be simpler if you put a timer on the porch lights?

Never leave the butter dish empty (or with so little butter that it is useless for the next roomie).

• Why? The next roomie has hot (and rapidly cooling) toast and freezing cold hard butter that leaves the toast ripped and lumpy. Not very roomie-friendly.

Clean out the bathtub every time you use it.

• Why? Pretty obvious – who wants to fill up the tub with nice hot water only to discover someone else's short and curlies floating in their scented bath bubbles. A spray bottle of cleanser and a sponge underneath the sink makes it handy and easy to keep the tub sparkly clean for the next roomie.

Do you have a few Consideration Guidelines that you've discovered in living with others? Please send me some of the agreements you've devised to keep you and your roomies from landing on murderer's row.