Having a perfect roommate just isn’t a thing. Doesn’t mean you can’t strive for the best! Big city or small town, it’s important to know where to start when it comes to who you choose to share toilet paper and possibly most real side of yourself with. Trying to find a good roommate is hard. So, here are 3 traits you should be looking for in a roommate.

Compatibility is important when looking for a roommate

Knowing yourself and your own personal habits will be the key when looking for the ideal roommate. This person lives a similar lifestyle to you making for a peaceful household. If you party, don’t shack up with someone who goes to bed by 10pm. If you’re a student, find another! If you haven’t been bitten by the tidy bug it’s best not to choose a roommate who does the “white glove” check. The traits you should look for will be similar to the traits you possess. Know your lifestyle! Because, remember, when trying to find a roommate– opposites do NOT attract.

Are they happy?

Depending on how often you’re around happy people, this can be an easy one to spot. Living with a happy person is contagious. At the other end, living with a notably unhappy person can be a vacuum for your energy. Try looking for a roommate who give off happy vibes. People that aren’t superficial. Because if someone seems peaceful, content, and living with purpose, the type of stability it can bring to their mood is palpable. THIS is who you want to be living with!

Are they trustworthy?

Being able to tell if someone is trustworthy can be tricky. So, plan a couple meetups before you choose to live with someone. Recognize how they treat your time. Do they agree on plans then bail? You can tell a person is trustworthy by how they value you and their commitment to the plans you’ve made together. At the earliest sign of shadiness, run. Because living with a roommate you’re not sure can be trusted will be uncomfortable. So, when looking for a roommate, try to find someone who you can trust with your life.