My Roommate’s Health Issues Are Ruining Our Apartment—Should I Keep Giving Her a Pass
I share an apartment with a coworker who has chronic fatigue. Her family mentioned her health struggles upfront, asking me to “be understanding” about messiness. Initially sympathetic, I didn’t anticipate daily issues: unwashed dishes, food left rotting in shared spaces, and stained carpets from spilled meals. I’ve tried chore charts and reminder apps, but she ignores them unless I nag.
While I empathize with her condition, I’m exhausted playing caretaker. My friends argue her health excuses poor hygiene, but isn’t mutual respect essential in shared housing? I’ve offered compromises (hiring a cleaner, splitting costs), but she refuses.
Working full-time only to return to chaos is draining. Are my expectations too harsh, or is basic tidiness reasonable regardless of health?
#roommatestruggles #adultingishard #sharedliving #boundariesmatter
