Friday, September 21, 2007
When you walk into your dorm after an exhausting day of classes, the thought of a refreshing drink and your comfortable bed motivate you to climb the stairs a little faster. But as you turn the corner, you see a red striped sock hanging loosely on the doorknob. Immediately, you turn around and find another place to go.
Having roommates can be a great thing. They help pay the rent, keep you company and help clean. But they can also make having a sexual relationship almost impossible. How do roommates set the boundaries for bringing someone home? Is it possible to balance both relationships?
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
One of the first things to do is to communicate with your roommate to avoid an awkward situation or strained relationship.
Logan Jones, Frankfort freshman, discussed the subject with his roommate shortly after they met.
“My roommate brought it up the first week,” Jones said. “It might be awkward to bring up, but it makes things easier later.”
Whether the sign is a sock on the door or some other form of nonverbal communication, Jones advises students to make sure roommates are warned that sexual activity is underway before entering the room.
“We have a whiteboard on our door and a code word you can write on it,” Jones said.
Leslie Fischer, Jefferson City sophomore, had the misfortune of experiencing one of these uncomfortable situations.
“I lived in a four-person suite and was gone for the weekend,” Fischer said. “When I got home, I heard the shower, opened the door and one of my roommates and her boyfriend were in the shower together. Then he stepped out naked. Whenever we saw his shoes at the door, we knew not to open the bathroom door.”
Luckily for Fischer, the conflict was resolved. Other students are not as fortunate.
Molly Schroeder, Lenexa sophomore, said she could not tolerate her roommate’s promiscuous behavior.
“When I lived in the dorms, my roommate brought home different guys every night,” Schroeder said. “She agreed not to do it, but she did it anyway so I moved out.”
Andrea Long, Overland Park sophomore and resident advisor in GSP Hall, has some advice for all students.
“Be really upfront with your roommate,” Long said. “The room is split 50/50. You don’t want to be in an uncomfortable situation in your own room.”
— Edited by Dianne Smith
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