I need to know if I am using my commas semi-colons, and colons right. Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if anyone would like to comment on the essay!
When two friends or a couple decide to become roommates they may think that the transition will be smooth because they have always gotten along. What they might not realize is that money can easily ruin a good relationship. Money is a universal cause of friction between two roommates. The following paper will discuss splitting the costs of bills and food & home articles.
To illustrate, two fictional characters will be used: Meet Jack and Mary; they are in their twenties and have been dating since high school. Jack works in a factory, and is a tall, slim, and humble man. Mary is a part-time massage therapist; she loves shopping and partying. She enjoys arguing and being right. Jack and Mary agree it’s time to move out of their parents’ homes and share a New York City apartment. Mary suggests splitting rent, utilities, and all other expenses in half.
While splitting the price of rent and utility bills in half may seem like a simple solution, 50/50 isn’t always even, as different people have different lifestyles. Bedrooms aren’t always the same size, and each of the two parties doesn’t necessarily use the same amount of electricity, either. Dividing the costs of rent and utilities plays a big role in the friction of two roommates.
Jack and Mary move into their apartment. Mary makes sure she gets the room with the closet, which happens to be the master bedroom. It has a window with a great view; her window happens to be about as wide as Jack’s room. Being a humble man, Jack won’t make a big deal of it and unpack in the smaller room. This obviously isn’t fair. Mary should have to pay more for she has the better room.
Later on that week, as he arrives home from his 9-5 work shift, Jack opens the door to a screaming stereo system and two televisions without an audience. He looks for Mary and finds her taking her second shower of the day. Jack doesn’t like the idea that Mary’s selfishness is going to be projected onto the electricity bill, but he chalks it up and says nothing.
In addition to paying for rent & utilities, costs of food &house articles can be difficult to distribute as well:
The two roommates decide to go out shopping. They walk into the IKEA furniture store and Mary gets overly excited about couch sets. Mary tugs Jack’s arm and easily reels him into approving the purchase of the pink retro couch. She also gets the matching loveseat and carpet. Mary spends another hour in the store shopping for furniture and decorative items that agree with her personality.
Jack, who is fed up with shopping, walks towards the magazine stand. Meanwhile Mary heads to the bathroom accessory aisle for some more shopping. As she stuffs her cart with redundant items, Jack takes a second look at the ten “Do-Not’s” in a men’s magazine. Number one reads “Never give your credit card to a woman.” He is amused. He puts the magazine down, and goes to see what’s in the cart. He recognizes toilet paper and a bunch of cleaning products. He isn’t thrilled with the contents of the cart; nevertheless, he still pays his half.
The couple’s next stop is the food market, where Mary begins her grocery rampage. She the basket up with low carb, high in anti-oxidants, and trans-fat free foods. They get home and unload everything. Jack doesn’t think he should have to pay for stuff that he won’t be using or consuming. He shouldn’t. If they would have talked about it earlier Jack could have avoided a money related argument with Mary.
Before roommates get an apartment, they should decide how they are going to split the costs when paying for rent & utilities and shopping together.
Clearly, it is unfair for someone to pay for something that he/she won’t be using. With this in mind, before a party decides to sign a lease, they should discuss and establish their own contract. A contract doesn’t have to be formal; as long as it’s on paper and has both parties’ signatures it’s legally binding. This contract will state any rules of which the two parties have agreed upon. Ideally, it will help avoid arguments and drama about money between roommates, which optimally, will help preserve their friendship.
thanks, any help is greatly appreciated