How can an introverted couple cohabit with another couple?
My husband, our two closest friends (who are married to each other), and I all live in an apartment building that has recently been purchased by an Evil Property Management Company. We aren’t bound by a long-term lease, so we’re considering moving out — all four of us together. Has anyone else lived as a couple with another couple, or been an introvert living in intentional community? What made it work? What made it hard?
Help! How do we minimize backlash when kicking out a toxic roommate?
I currently live in a house with four roommates and our lease is up at the end of October. Here’s our problem… Everyone wants to stay in the house, but none of us want to stay with our one roommate. The other three of us want to kick her out, but we aren’t sure how to without backlash. What is a good and formal but polite way to tell her she isn’t wanted anymore?
4 ways to be an awesome crash pad guest
Here in West Palm, Florida, my sister’s family and my husband and I have been co-habitating under one roof. My husband and I help out with cleaning, organizing, grocery shopping, and childcare while they give us a roof over our heads while we’re looking for long-term jobs and a home. It’s working out really great! Here’s how I’ve been helping to make our Family Compound feel like a functional space….
How does one go about creating an old-ladyship home?
As a single woman of 68, and living in France far from my family, I am beginning to look at end of life issues — such as how to age gracefully in place, how to create a support group and face the last how-ever-many years with dignity, control, and pleasure. I have been discussing creating a shared home with four or five other women and wonder if anyone else thinks of this.
Ozzie and Harriet beds: The aftermath of sleeping separately
This is in response to the insomniac post. I saw a few comments like, “Separate beds will help. Separate rooms would probably help even more.” Having a little bit of experience with this, I wanted to lend my two cents. I can say that it has definitely been a mixed bag, with a few unintended consequences.
Reconnecting with my family by changing the way we do dinner
As children, eating dinner with our families was a nightly occurrence, but as adults we seem to have fallen out of the habit. About a month ago, we decided to try an experiment: one day a week, each one of us would commit to making dinner for the family. We’ve been incredibly pleased with our arrangement, which has led to some unexpected benefits…
Permanent multi-generational homes: Would you do it?
My mother and I are contemplating buying a house together and establishing a multi-generational home.
5 ways to cope with hoarding
I didn’t expect hoarding to impact my life in such a big way. I grew up in a house that made constant donations to whatever organization would come by our front door — at least three garbage bags each month, minimum. Stuff came in, stuff went out. This was my normal. And then I met the man who would one day become my husband. And then I met his parents. And now hoarding is a very real and stressful part of my life. Here are some of the challenges of dealing with hoarders, and how we cope with them…