The Roommate Communication Framework: How to Talk About Anything

COMMUNICATION LEVEL 1 — DAILY UPDATES: Use HomeCo messaging for quick heads-ups. 'Running late, don't wait for dinner.' 'Having two friends over tonight.' Keep it light, keep it visible.

COMMUNICATION LEVEL 2 — WEEKLY CHECK-INS: A 10-minute house meeting every week. Agenda: what's working, what's not, upcoming schedules. Keep it structured and respectful.

COMMUNICATION LEVEL 3 — CONFLICT CONVERSATIONS: Use the SBI model — Situation, Behavior, Impact. 'When dishes pile up in the sink (S), I end up cleaning them (B), and I feel taken advantage of (I).'

COMMUNICATION LEVEL 4 — ESCALATION: If direct talk fails, document in HomeCo. If still unresolved, bring in a neutral third party or use professional mediation.

Golden rule: assume good intent. Your roommate probably isn't trying to annoy you — they might not realize there's a problem.