How do I approach a problem with a flatmate?
Determine how you feel about the situation and the minimum you want to achieve to improve the situation e.g. you are angry that your neighbour uses skype until 2am and you would like them to use headphones after 11pm inline with the noise regulations. E.g. you are upset that your room mate keeps bringing her boyfriend to your shared room and you would like her to give you warning. Wait until both parties are calm and approach the situation informally in a neutral setting e.g. cooking in the kitchen, walking from a lecture. Start the conversation in a low level gentle manner. Be clear and concise but in a fair and non-judgemental way – make sure you are specific and clarify your issue. Use “I” statements which appear assertive and challenging without being confrontational. Don’t use “you” statements as they can be perceived as aggressive, e.g. “When I was trying to sleep last night I was frustrated because I could hear you on skype. I would be really grateful if you could please use hea
