Teen Gets Yelled At By Visiting Cousin In Their Shared Room Because She Asked Her To Follow Some Basic Hygiene Rules

"She also leaves her bloody tampons on the counter in our bathroom and says she forgets to throw it out."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• January 8, 2024

Roommate etiquette, an essential yet often overlooked aspect of cohabitation, plays a pivotal role in maintaining harmony and respect in shared living spaces. The Reddit story by a teen serves as a classic example of how disregarding these unspoken rules can lead to tension and discomfort.

In OP's case, sharing a room with a cousin who seemingly lacks cleanliness and organization skills highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations from the outset.

Fundamentally, roommate etiquette revolves around mutual respect and consideration. It includes basic responsibilities like cleaning up after oneself, respecting each other's space and belongings, and maintaining a level of hygiene that is comfortable for all parties involved.

OP's frustration stems from her cousin's disregard for these basic tenets, particularly the unacceptable habit of leaving personal hygiene products out in the open. This behavior not only breaches common cleanliness standards but also shows a lack of respect for shared spaces.

Effective communication is key in such scenarios. The OP's approach to addressing the issue directly with her cousin was appropriate; however, the outcome reveals a deeper issue of non-reciprocity and disregard for shared living standards.

In roommate situations, especially among family members, it's crucial to establish ground rules early on.

Just take a look at what happened here...

Canadian teen's (OP) family immigrated 16 years ago, offers to cover extended family's expenses to move, but they're not interested.

Their cousin was accepted to a local college, and moved in with OP's family to avoid loneliness.

OP's in the master bedroom, while parents live separately. Dad suggested cousin stay in OP's room.

Frustration sets in as messy habits emerge in the cousin's stay: half-eaten food, scattered clothes, and forgotten tampons.

Despite offering help, cousin refuses, but the mess continues as she doesn't clean up.

Warned cousin to clean up or leave the room; she yelled and stormed off. Now, OP's wondering if they're in the wrong.

Scroll down to see what people had to say!

Seeking basic hygiene here, but it seems she's avoiding both help and effort.

Bathroom is not a crime scene, and roommates should be rule followers or room finders.

She prefers the perks in their room over cleanliness. Time for a reality check, not just a room preference!

Guest playing decorator? Time for OP to reclaim their turf from the room-designer-in-chief.

Nope, time for a roommate remix. Kick her out, cue the change!

Time for a bathroom swap—she can have the crime scene, and the parents need a heads-up on this monthly drama!

"Part of being an adult is cleaning up after yourself."

It's not eviction, it's room selection. With other guest rooms available, it's a checkout, not a throw-out.

Warn of a messy photoshoot and suggest a parental cleanliness intervention. Time to put the spotlight on her clutter chaos!

Blame game: Dad's the real "AH" (All-in-living Harmony) disruptor!

A bathroom ban for the gross girl is in order!

"You have a parent problem."

Just nasty—shudders!

"Tell the truth."

Gross!

In the end, it seems that sharing a room can be more challenging than splitting a pizza – everyone wants a slice of space, but no one wants to clean up the crumbs. OP's tale is a classic slice-of-life drama, where the toppings are tolerance and the crust is courtesy.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia