While flatmates can bring about stress and difficulty, they can also be great company and develop into wonderful, lifelong friends. Before making the decision to live with a flatmate or to live alone, consider carefully all the accompanying advantages and disadvantages.

Most people join forces with a flatmate primarily due to financial problem. A shared living space also means you're responsible for only half of the rent or shared bills. Additionally, when you're splitting costs, you can afford a better apartment than you could alone. However, money can become a point of argument for flatmates as well. If your flatmate gets laid off or quits his job, you may have to pick up his bill until he's back on his feet. Your flatmate may also insist he owe less because he doesn't use the shower too often.

In addition to bills and the rent, flatmates also typically share responsibility for unpleasant tasks, such as cleaning or doing the dishes. Without a flatmate, cleaning and tidying responsibilities are yours alone. However, flatmates also frequently end up sharing plenty of other things many people would rather not: use of the TV, the bathroom, food and even clothing, for example. You may have to wake up earlier than you'd like to get a hot shower before work or give up watching your favorite show because your flatmate beat you to it.

When you live alone,   you get to determine the terms of your social life, and you go home to an empty house or apartment at the end of the day. That can be preferable if you're a serious student or professional, someone who needs to work and rest in the quiet of an apartment. With a flatmate, there are unexpected guests and your social options can expand sharply. Keep in mind, however, that having a flatmate means that he may feel social when you do not, and you may have to deal with wanted house guests.

We live in a society that constantly tells us more is better, leaving us under huge pressure. To be truly happy, we should set boundaries (界限)with ourselves. We need to start saying no to impulsive (冲动的)purchases, late-night TV shows, and unhealthy habits that ultimately leave us feeling empty and guilty. 【小题1】

Behind every fancy purchase is a desire for recognition. We secretly want to be noticed for wearing an expensive watch or carrying a designer purse. Before taking action, such as making an expensive purchase, ask ourselves, “Who am I doing this for?” 【小题2】 However, if not, then we need to say no to it.

Saying no becomes easier when we remove our worth from material possessions. Making more money does not make us more worthy than someone living on his salary. 【小题3】 Remember that our worth is an undeniable part of who we are, which comes from our humanity.

【小题4】 Trying to please everyone makes us spread ourselves too thin. The truth is that we have a limited amount of energy and time. It is important to be wise with our resources.

Sometimes people’s actions may cause feelings of envy in us, such as when they make purchases or achieve their goals. There is always someone out there who has more of what we desire. 【小题5】 Just focus on living a life that fits our values and goals.