Close Quarters with the Opposite Sex

Depending on your perspective, I have a pretty unique living situation. The typical guy might say, “Awesome dude, how did you work that?” or the more homophobic guy might say, “Uhh, are you gay?”

You see, I live with four girls. And to answer both the typical and homophobic questions, I don’t know how it happened, and no I am not gay. But living in the basement of a house with four members of the opposite sex directly above me has been a very educational experience for me. Unlike my previous roommates, all males, these roommates give me a different perspective of college life.

Before I lived with these ladies I only knew the man’s approach to college:

“Drink lots of beer. Attend at least 3 classes a week, but no more than 6. Watch as much sports as possible. Eat Taco Bell when hungry. Pretend you are still moderately athletic even though you rarely play anything but Cornhole.”

The woman’s approach is significantly different:

“Watching Grey’s Anatomy even if it is raining fire outside. Compare boyfriends disgusting habits. Talk about getting married occasionally. Study and attend class regularly. Plan for the future daily. Drink Socially and under control. Go to Bob when you have a clogged toilet or rodent problem.”

Outside of the obvious, I have learned that women take criticism MUCH more seriously than men and they also hold endless grudges. However, women stick together and stay in contact more regularly than men, and also are significantly cleaner.

Do I miss being able to knock on my old roommates door at 2 PM on a Tuesday and shove a beer in his hand? You bet. But these roommates offer their own kind of support. The type that makes you feel like you don’t have to bottle everything up if something is wrong. And I will miss that too.