Your roommate has not been doing his fair share of the housework. Using the three basic steps of the problem-solution method, how would you try to discourage this behavior and actuate him to help out more around the apartment?
A) Ask him how the dirty apartment makes him feel; hope that you have offered enough emotional evidence that he will begin doing his part.
B) Tell him that if he doesn't do his fair share of the work, you will contact the landlord and have him removed from the apartment.
C) Tell him how his behaviour violates the spirit of roommate equality; explain the resulting tension in the house; and demand that he do his fair share of the work.
D) Describe how his lack of help around the house affects you; offer to work with him to outline an equal division of labor; and encourage him to see that the relationship will improve and the apartment will be cleaner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Choice D provides a clear and reasonable solution to the problem. It clearly outlines how his behavior affects you, and offers to work with him to come up with a fair division of labor. It also focuses on how the relationship between roommates will improve and the apartment will be cleaner as a result. This approach is more collaborative and less confrontational than Choice C, and more constructive than Choice A. Choice B is a threat and does not address the underlying issue.

Your Roommate Has Not Been Doing His Fair Share of the Housework