Dear Harlan,

As the start of my spring semester looms closer, I've been thinking about what I want to change about my morning routine. This includes wanting to actually eat breakfast in the mornings. I have a 7:30 a.m. class on Mondays and Wednesdays this semester, so I'm asking for some feedback on the following questions. Is using the microwave (to make oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, etc.) at 7 a.m. disrespectful? Or is it something you would be able to tolerate if your roommate did this?

Considerate Roommate

 

Dear Considerate Roomie,

It might be most considerate to use the microwave on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That's still five days of microwaving. That's a lot of microwave cooking. While you do have every right to make the breakfast you desire seven days a week, being a considerate roommate can mean compromising and having an unmicrowaved breakfast two days a week. That said, there is nothing wrong with asking your roommate about early-morning microwaving. He or she might be warm to Monday and Wednesday microwaving. That is, as long as you're OK with late-night microwaving on Sunday and Tuesday nights - the nights before your 7:30 a.m. class.

 

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