Married With Housemates | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Married With Housemates

Creating a home with others.

29
Married With Housemates
Home Stock photo

While I had a brief stint living in dorms (sophomore year) at ENC, basically I have only had two residences. The home I grew up in, and the home I live in now. Initially I didn't think this was going to be my home. I was going to stay until I got married, move on, and create my own magical adult life. Thing is I do have a magical adult life (least, I think so), and it started when I allowed that my magical adult life didn't have to look like everyone else's.

You see I like following the beaten path, I feel it's often dangerous to take the road less followed, what if you get lost and no one ever finds you? I moved in to the yellow house in Boston due to a friend from college. Initially I was living with 3 women. The husband and I (at that point still fiance) were actively looking for a place of our own, but being poor and wanting to live in Boston (or even just outside of Boston) was very challenging. So after some prayer and discussion with the main person who lives here, he moved in. By that point, one of the woman had moved out and the other was on her way out. Now I live with my husband, a dear roommate who is also one of my closest friends, and another guy roommate who has proven to be a great fit.

So we're all here together living our lives separate and together. Making this a home for all of us and every person who steps through our doors. I do think we function well because we all love the Lord and have similar values. Not everything intersects and hard awkward conversations have occurred under this roof. One thing that has struck me since I first stepped foot into this place is the sense of peace and safety. We are all committed to this being an environment all of us can be our true selves in.

When I interviewed to live here, I didn't have a strong feeling about the women. I didn't necessarily think it was the easiest living arrangement or was financially feasible (to this day I recognize it as a miracle that I made rent every month), but the reason I said yes was because God gave me an intense sense of peace immediately following my interview. Little did I recognize how tied to this yellow house I would become over the next two years.

I don't think that living in community (especially while married) would make sense for everyone. I'm still on the fence of what I really want my future to look like, but right now with just a few people in the house, my kitten, and a shared space I'm realizing that home doesn't have to look like young couple in a private apartment or married in the suburbs with 2.5 kids. Home looks like a married couple, a single woman and man, and a guest room that is constantly hosting different people.

It's not really the life I imagined for myself, but it's a good life. And in some ways it's far better than the life I would have had. It's full of more love, light, and people. It has its challenges: more problems come up living with one person than with three. It's also nice though having people around when my husband works odd hours and has to go to bed so early. Like last night after my teeth got pulled and my husband had gone to sleep I sat up with my housemate and watched Lilo and Stich. It was nice not to be alone.

One of my biggest fears way back when I moved in was that I would always feel like a guest. Like I was intruding. And I felt some of that when I first moved in, but now it feels like I belong. We cook for each other, I can use anything in the kitchen because we pool our resources. I know I can invite people over and they will be welcomed. People ask me about my day and I do the same for them. It's a place of sanctuary where I can just rest and be after a long day. It's a place that I can receive and give love, prayer, and affection. Not everything is the way I like it, but I always have a voice to say this thing is botherinng me.

I don't know what the future holds in this home I never expected. We're here until at least August, somehow though I won't be surprised if year two turns into year three. Right now this is my magical adult life and this is my home, it might not be what I dreamed of as a worldly 18 year old, but right now it's exactly what I need. I thank God for that transcendent peace just two years ago, it reminds that God can see the future and what we need more than we can. This home doesn't fit into a stereotypical box, but I love it and I'm grateful for it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18855
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8014
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5855
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5064
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments