PrintTensions are running high as the dreaded housing registration process begins: Tears will be shed, prides damaged, prejudices formed, friendships strained. As all of this social tiptoeing unfolds, it seems strangely reminiscent of the drawing-room drama of a Jane Austen novel. Just follow these simple guidelines to navigate the process without offending anyone’s (sense and) sensibilities.
The Emma scenario: You’ve made a terrible mistake. You, like so many other well-meaning individuals, have once again overcommitted yourself in your endless quest to please others. You’ve uttered the same simple sentence to three different people—“We should totally live together!”—and now those five, fateful words are weighing on your conscience. The situation may feel hopeless, but there is a simple solution: take a page out of Emma’s book and play matchmaker. Next time one of your suitemate suitors broaches the subject, say in your best Emma imitation, “You know who would be a great match for you?” and insert name of forsaken-roommate-number-two here. Voila: everyone is happy, and you get to play the role of residential cupid!
The Pride and Prejudice problem: A certain individual—for the sake of clarity, let’s just call him or her Darcy—has approached you and asked you to be his or her roommate. However, there’s a problem. Darcy is kind of a douchebag. And, on top of this, you once overheard Darcy talking smack about you at a party in EC while he or she thought you were out of earshot. Sooo NOT roomie material! Still, channel Elizabeth Bennett for a moment and try to put your pride aside: If this “Darcy” person is approaching you, clearly he or she admires you far more than they let on. Isn’t it possible that the snide remark had more to do with one too many mulled meads than anything about your character? Clearly Darcy has swallowed his or her pride, and perhaps it’s time for you to forget about your prejudice.
The Persuasion situation: Do not rule out roommates on the basis of social standing, for even that penniless naval officer (read: nerdy SEAS kid) might prove to be really rich and cool and important in seven years (read: CEO of Google). Just like Wentworth, this kid will remember your sight, thus making it much harder for you to persuade him or her to give you a job when you are a bum playing sax on the subway. Ahem.