College isn't easy, and dealing with the unfamiliar set of problems that arise isn't always possible to handle alone. Adjusting to life in a box with another person isn't the easiest of feats, but they quickly become your other half and things become unimaginable without them. At this point, I am forever thankful for me roommate who's been there through all the good nights, bad decisions and (very, very) ugly cries. Some people aren't as fortunate to have someone as supportive as her, so here is a list of 25 things I would like to thank my roommate for:
1. Being there to vent to
I know I sound crazy when I say I might shave my head if I get another B, but you take it like a champ. Sorry I'm a psychopath.
2. Encouraging good hygiene
Honestly, without you my days without showering record would be astounding, so thank you for telling everyone and their brother how long its been. Shame is the perfect motivation to banish my greasy hair.
3. Cuddling with me when I'm lonely
Sometimes my giraffe stuffed animal isn't enough, so thanks for making room for me in your pencil-box sized bed so we can take a nap together.
4. Having good style and clothes for me to borrow
I'll admit I was less than prepared in terms of clothing for the "college experience" so thanks for always having the right shirts to make me feel like a star. Maybe one day I'll have more than one shirt that you want to borrow in return.
5. Not cringing when you see me without makeup
Yes, it was a rough night and yes, I appreciate that you didn't comment on the ferocious bags under my eyes or the fact that I look like a pre-pubescent boy.
6. Recommending new shows
How would I ever have found that perfectly odd British drama without you? My life would not have been the same without Simon and the rest of the Misfits.
7. Laughing at my bad jokes (sometimes)
I'm not funny, so thanks for pretending that I am on the occasion. It really boosts my self esteem if you can't breathe from laughing too hard. Throw in a few tears and I'll stop with my comedy show for another few months.
8. Being alone together with me
Both being extroverted introverts, you are the only person that can understand the feeling of wanting to be alone in the presence of someone else. I appreciate you not talking to me at those times except for the occasional giggle. There's nobody I'd rather be alone together with.
9. Taking awful pictures of me and it somehow being funny
If I looked as fat and manly in any other picture it would have been tragic, so I'm glad your photography could warrant laughter for a solid two hours. Maybe that picture was just a premonition of the future, but I know you'll love me either way.
10. Being my first friend at college
The first night of school was brutal and I've never been great with small talk, so thanks for giving me someone to go out and discover the do's and don'ts of the bars with. Going out wouldn't have been the same without you.
11. Giving guy advice
I really appreciate that you have a boyfriend and your life together a little more than me, so you can give me at least a little guidance. You don't think 4 a.m. is a good time to text him? Good to know.
12. Encouraging me to go to class
Although my guilty conscience usually helps with this already, those few painful 8:30's probably wouldn't have been attended if it weren't for you opening the blinds and turning on all the lights. I may have wanted to kill you then but... actually wait, I'm definitely still irritated by that:-)
13. Reminding me that the Freshman 15 is normal and I don't look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy
I appreciate you telling me that it was just the angle and there is no way my arms are that fat. It might not be true, but its the thought that counts. I know you (and candy) will always be there for me.
14. Not getting mad when I ask for help with homework
You are very fluent in Spanish and I am very, very not so thanks for putting up with my American accent and embarrassing conjugations. We all know that essay I wrote was pathetic and I couldn't have pulled a B- in Spanish without your help.
15. Letting me sleep until noon and forcing me out of bed any later
I sometimes try to put a new meaning to the term "not a morning person" and by that I mean simply never waking up at all. I'm fairly certain that I would definitely not maintain a life or any friendships without your help getting me out of bed.
16. Ordering pizza with me at 3a.m.
Honestly, I wish we had a better excuse other than we weren't tired and vodka penne sounded amazing but I'm coming up empty here. I always need a good enabler in my life to make healthy and sane decisions. P.S no regrets on the pizza, that was definitely the best decision of my whole freshman year.
17. Staying up and talking when I don't want to sleep
I know you're tired but I just have so much to say at 2a.m. and there isn't a chance I'll go to sleep without saying it. Most of the time it has to do with Lilo and Stitch or boys but what more could you want to talk about?
18. Running errands with me so I'm not alone
I would prefer not to be kidnapped in the Bronx or Manhattan so thanks for making the short treks to Walgreens, or the long ones to the other side of the city to get my backpack when you have a dinner date in an hour. I'd be no match for the subway system without you.
19. Tucking me in if I had a bad night
Stumbling in at 2 a.m. isn't always the kindest awakening for you, but if I'm feeling sad upon my arrival I know you'll always be there to give me a hug and tuck me in with my fan on.
20. Not getting mad when I cried about him (again)
My luck has been rather unfortunate in the romance department this year, and yet it still hasn't gotten through my head to make changes and find someone new. Thanks for tolerating my many tears and wasted tissues over the boys that don't deserve my heart.
21. Tagging me in pictures on instagram that make you think of me
Usually its an inside joke that I don't totally understand, but its nice to know you're thinking about me.
22. Always agreeing to get food or take a nap (even if we should be going to the gym)
The unspoken agreement where we just look at each other and know the gym isn't happening that day fills me with life. Mostly because I hate the gym but partly because I'm pretty sure we have some sort of telepathy thing going.
23. Not being too messy or getting mad when I am
I would say that we're both borderline OCD but when Friday night hits the room a little too hard, thanks for not throwing my clothes and shoes out the window. I'll do laundry eventually, I promise.
24. Sitting in the cafeteria with me for hours
Honestly, there is no reason that we should be in that hell hole any longer than we have to, but for some reason the deepest talks are often had an hour or two after finishing our 50th plate of French Fries.
25. Being you
Thank you for being the one person I will never get tired of seeing and my other half. And for just now pitching me the idea of eating wax as a candy bar because it smells so good. That was a great idea.