Living in a shared house means you inevitably overhear things. Some are completely normal, some are slightly confusing, and some make you pause for a moment before deciding not to ask any follow-up questions.
Over time, most people will hear at least one comment from a housemate that feels just a little bit concerning.
Here are ten things your housemate might say that should probably raise a few questions.
1. “I think that’s still fine to eat.”
Usually said while holding something that has clearly been in the fridge for longer than anyone can remember.
2. “I’ll clean it later.”
A phrase that, based on past experience, may not refer to any specific timeframe.
3. “It was like that when I got here.”
Said about something that clearly happened very recently.
4. “My friend is just staying for a few days.”
A sentence that sounds temporary, but somehow results in a new person living in the house for the foreseeable future.
5. “I’ll just quickly cook something.”
Followed by an hour-long process involving every pan in the house. At 2am.
6. “I didn’t think anyone would mind.”
A statement that usually comes after something mildly chaotic has already happened.
7. “I didn’t think it would smell that much.”
Usually said after cooking something that has now become a house-wide event.
8. “I thought that was shared.”
Referring to something you bought for yourself. Usually something expensive.
9. “I’ll just leave this here for now.”
A sentence that quietly marks the beginning of a long-term object placement.
10. “I thought you were doing that.”
A sentence that appears when a task has been left just long enough for everyone to assume it was someone else’s responsibility.
Shared houses are full of small moments like this. Not everything needs to be questioned, and sometimes it’s easier to simply accept that certain comments will remain unexplained.
