<p>See question up above. (Actually for roommate. not roommates)</p>
<p>i actually have two roommates, but i think it still applies. so far everything has worked out pretty well. we have to rules:
1) don't have sex (or something similar you get the idea) while im there / don't sexile me overnight.
2) don't take my stuff without asking.</p>
<p>No speaking, no eating or drinking, no eye contact, no breathing loudly, no toenail cutting, no studying, and most definitely no laughing or smiling.</p>
<p>Uh, seriously though, I'd say the big rules are the same ones benandjerrys mentioned. Also, I would like ample notice (when possible) if he'll be doing something that requires I not be in the room.</p>
<p>The other big one, for me, isn't really a rule but a request to keep the noise level as low as possible (within reason, of course) when the other person is sleeping.</p>
<p>We actually had to sign a roomate contract my freshman year, and it covered some of the stuff mentioned here, plus a few things like actually talking to each other if there is a problem, rather than letting it simmer and eventually explode; noise levels are to be determined by the one studying or sleeping; ask before touching or using the others' things/food. I can't think of any more...</p>
<p>Mine are slightly different since I have an apartment-style dorm but some of our major ones are</p>
<p>-take turns buying shared items (dish soap, toilet paper, etc...)
-take turns with cleaning what/when (ie some weeks ill clean kitchen and others she will, i'll vaccuum and she'll clean the bathroom,etc...)
-agree on TV/music. this kind of happened naturally for us, we both like the same TV shows so that's not an issue usually, but my roommate is a big horror movie person and I can't stand blood, so if she's going to watch one, I just like when she lets me know so I can be on the computer, or put in headphones, or go into the bedroom and not have to see it.
-let each other know when we have people staying over ahead of time.</p>
<p>idk if what we have are "rules," because we never actualy said anything about them, but i guess it's just understood.</p>
<p>-when the other person brings a girl back, leave. i say that's a "man law," more than anything.</p>
<p>-we don't leave anythng out in the open that can get us kicked out of hosuing: beers, bottles, "paraphernalia"...</p>
<p>-if you have a class you HAVE to go to(exam or something), the roommate will make sure you get there. we both study about the same way(2 days of cramming, crash for a few hours before the test, wake up a few hours early, study a little more, then go to class), so this has worked out pretty good for us.</p>
<p>-we use eachothers stuff, but we both contribute. like it's not one person buying everything and the other using it.</p>
<p>My roommate and I are both pretty considerate people, so we never actually talked about "rules". They're more like unspoken guidelines.</p>
<p>No touching other person's stuff unless there's a previous engagement. No eating each other's food unless invited to. Turn off overhead light and use desk lamp when other person goes to sleep. Use headphones to listen to music/watch shows when other person is present.</p>
<p>demeter, did you ever speak of sexile rules ?</p>