I always vowed in college that I’d never have another roommate again, but when I moved to Kansas City I changed my mind.  Over the years, roomies have come and gone.  I’ve lived with an FBI agent, an investigative reporter and a cat-loving restaurant manager among others.

There’s just good energy when there’s someone else in the house.

That’s not to say that co-habitating with someone doesn’t occasionally have its downside.  I lived with a dear galpal for about nine months while we were both going through ugly breakups.  A lot of evenings were spent lamenting about our exes over entire cartons of ice cream.   I packed on nearly 15lbs. living with her … because misery loves Rocky Road … er, company.  She and I remain phenomenal friends to this day … albeit thinner, saner friends.

I had a roomie who rarely cooked anything, so imagine my surprise when he attempted an elaborate five-course meal and nearly burnt the house down in the process.  (The flaming skillet landed out in the driveway before it exploded.  Uh, don’t ask.)  This was the same roomie that introduced me to a “hot toddy”.  He kept me plied with the tasty concoction during a nasty bout of bronchitis.  (Not only did it squelch my hacking cough, it made everyone WAY more attractive.)

9 out of 10 times, I’ve known my roommates personally or professionally before they moved in.  Or they’ve come highly recommended and their references had references.  Go any other route, and you’re just asking for trouble.  I recently posted one ad … ONE … looking for a new roommate via Craigslist.  Imagine my surprise when the scourge of the earth wanted to move in.  My inbox blew up with desperate people seeking lodging.  Felons and hippies and freaks … oh, my!

My personal fave?  A guy who didn’t need his own room per se, because he was a self-proclaimed “submissive”.  He offered to sleep on the floor of my basement … or in an out of the way closet.  (And, yes, he was serious.)  There were also a lot of non-descript foreigners who wanted all my vital bank information so they could wire me the first and last month’s rent.   (Mmmmhmmm … I’ll get RIGHT on that!)

If you get a good roommate … my suggestion is cherish them for as long as you can.  Once they start driving you nuts (or their cat pukes in your shoe), it’s time to cut the ties that bind.  And if you’re thinking about getting a roommate … go with your gut.  Never let anyone move in to your house that even gives you the slightest heebie-jeebies.  It takes a lot longer to get them out then it does to find a better applicant.