Sharing Places and Spaces considerations for roommates 2013

Sharing Places and Spaces considerations for roommates © 2013. Life. Shops Outreach Tools

Room �a + place to study �a place to relax �a place to eat �a place to keep belongings �a place to entertain friends

Mates �with = different study habits and schedules �with needs to relax in different ways at different times �with different food interests �with different belongings of equal importance to yours �with different friends who are entertained by different things than yours

Who I Am and Who We Are INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY personal experiences family background personal relationships experienced individual personality socio-economic status Education background

Who I Am and Who We Are GROUP IDENTITY gender race/cultural background religion sexual orientation

Place and Space Whenever a “we” exists, such as in Roommate Relationships, a psychological shift occurs in their physical surroundings… That which was merely a “place” (like a room or an apartment) also becomes “space” as well.

SPACE? Psychological area of comfort defined by each individuals need for closeness and distance. ◦ ◦ Varies from person to person Varies from situation to situation within a person. ELEVATOR CROWDED WITH STRANGERS A COUCH WITH A CLOSE FRIEND WHO IS SUFFERING A TERRIBLE LOSS

Domains of Personal Space 3 Different Types of Personal Space Physical Space Emotional Space Psychological Space

Domains of Personal Space Physical: bed, dresser, food items not intended for sharing, clothing, etc. Emotional: mood, attitudes toward being in the place, attitude towards self. Psychological Space: The meaning an individual assigns to the physical area and organization of that area at any point in time.

Psychological Space Issues Spacious room, offering an open psychological space Or Cozy room with many decorations and objects such as furniture or play items Neat and organized room, with everything in it’s place offering clarity and carefulness Or Cluttered room with objects situated randomly, offering spontaneity and carefree-ness.

Psychological Space Issues An active room, with many visitors and activities such as games and gatherings Or A restful room, with few visitors and generally few activities to disrupt a studious and restful atmosphere A quiet room, with conversations maintained quietly and music kept to lower volumes Or A festive room with music often played loud and more excited conversations.

Psychological Space Issues OR SOMETHING IN BETWEEEN? Work Toward Compromises Schedules as Guidelines Quiet Hours Cleaning Days. Physical /Emotional Boundaries Consulting with Roommate About Outside Demands (exams, group study projects, etc)

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