I have a ridiculous question. My roommate and I got into an argument the other day...

[Upthevibe]

It was over a variety of issues. When I clean my bedroom and bathroom, sometimes I close the main door for no reason. My roommate who has no friends, no hobbies, and doesn't just engaged in anything, told me that is not how to clean. She said closing the door is the "wrong way to clean." She's said this before. She says that with other roommates they clean together and she makes it sound like it's fun. The truth is, she has no one in her personal life because she can be difficult. Since there isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to clean a bedroom. Would this be called a "false argument?" I want to explain to her that she's off base. Isn't this like an argument that "The Big Bang Theory" is funnier than "Friends?" -totally an opinion?

[LiberalElite]

1. I'm not aware of a "wrong" way to clean -

whatever way gets it done who cares. I think this is simply her being difficult. I have one question though - what's the "main" door?

[TM99]

2. She is just being emotionally manipulative.

This is probably why she has few friends.

You can straight up tell her that she is full of shit, is controlling, and if she wants some company cleaning, just be honest & direct, instead of playing these types of mind games.

[trueblue2007]

11. i agree. tell her you will clean your room your way and she can clean hers HER way

i feel she is acting like a CHILD

[Hoyt]

3. When I had a roommate, we were just glad when the other would clean.

[Ptah]

4. What's the big deal?

What harm could come from cleaning with the main door open?

[Wounded Bear]

5. This is why I don't do roommates well....

shit like this.

Oh, and I don't know the right answer. I just remember always being wrong in the past.

[Oneironaut]

6. Oh my god! - you're infested w/ a type Aer. Where's my holy water?

Just kidding - Do whatever you want. That's a silly argument. I wonder if this is more about control.

[MH1]

7. Why sweat the small stuff?

You said that sometimes you close the door "for no reason". Well if there's no reason to close it and for some reason your roomie would prefer you leave it open, then why not just do that?

I'm sure there will be plenty more interesting things for you all to argue about once you get to know each other better.


On the other hand, if "for no reason" really means "for a reason that's important to me but I prefer not to say", well that's a different question.

[valerief]

8. MOVE! Fast!!!!! nt

[TexasBushwhacker]

9. Let me guess. It's her house

I've had some nice roommates, but I've had 2 that were "my way or the highway" types. The way I look at it, I'm helping them pay their mortgage. But they generally thought they are doing me a favor by allowing me to live in their place (and pay them several hundred $$$). So, if you think this is the situation, I would recommend that you move. It will get worse, not better, and if you paid a deposit they will keep it. Count on it

[The Second Stone]

10. I have roommates in my house

I'm pleased if they clean at all. They sure as hell aren't coming in my room to clean. Nor me in theirs.

[Upthevibe]

12. You guys are wonderful. Thank you. In answer to some questions, the "main" door is

the door in my bedroom that goes into the hallway and the rest of the apt. It has been her apt. for years. We pay 50/50 on the rent but it's in her name. I moved in about 2 years ago. For the most part it's been ok except occasionally she goes off (maybe once every 3 months)...meaning that she'll be really snappy for no reason. And it is about control and that bugs me. A certain way to clean? WTF. The only reason I have a roommate is because CA is expensive and I want to live in a beach town so it's been worth it to me. Thanks again. I wanted to confirm my understanding that there's not some like of "cleaning manual" out there that I wasn't aware of! LOL!

[sarge43]

13. There are a couple of helpful tips for cleaning

1. Clean down and out. Start with the top of things and work down until the gunk is on the floor, then sweep or vac.

2. Don't mix toxic stuff unless you're into chemical warfare or enjoy coughing loud enough to imitate a seal pond.

3. If you can't see it, smell it or hear it, leave it until the next time.

Roomie might have some vague recollection about keeping a room ventilated if using the toxic stuff like Clorox or she's a control freak.

[Iggo]

16. Actually, when I first clicked on this thread, that's what I was thinking: Ventilation.

But upon further review, I don't think that's it.

[sarge43]

17. Probably not. Just a standard issued roomie. n/t

[The Second Stone]

15. Two of mine are fine. One is a drunk and doesn't pay rent

Sounds like yours wants company from time to time. That's okay. But ask her to be plain about it.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

14. There are certainly "wrong" ways to clean a bathroom or bedroom.

Most of the "wrong" ways involve a loud, gas-powered leaf-blower.

However, with a leaf-blower running full speed, you won't be able to hear your roommate. Silver lining.

[lunatica]

18. Another reason for me to be thankful I have no roommates!

I absolutely love living by myself with only my cat. I get to watch whatever I want on the tv and cook whatever I want and clean or leave everything for another day any time I want. No one to answer to, cater to or listen while they whine at you.

[mackerel]

19. This is a sorry, I'm moving out argument.

[DebJ]

20. Does this person get some kind of kinky thrill watching other people clean?

If you pay rent for that room, keeping the door to your room closed at any time you wish is certainly your prerogative.
No matter what you are doing.

This is an absolutely ridiculous request; preposterous to even suggest such a thing.