Redditor Leaves Backdoor Open For Their Dog, And The Roommates Are Not Happy About It
They have valid safety concerns.
Living with roommates definitely has its ups and downs. You can make friendships for life, but on the other hand, bad roommates can make your life miserable.
Even when you find good roommates, there are many compromises to be made. You don’t want to jeopardize a good relationship because of trivial matters.
However, sometimes things are not trivial. Pets are one of the most common reasons for squabbles between roommates.
Just like the situation this Redditor is writing about:
“I live in a house with three roommates (R1, R2, R3) and my pup. My pup is super chill and is well-liked by two of my roommates. Anyway, I leave early in the morning (6:45) and leave the sliding side door open. Normally, the rest of the house wakes up close to 7 or 8, turns on the AC, and shuts the slider. I like to leave the door open so the pup can have outside time and do his morning business.”
But this arrangement doesn’t work for all roommates:
“I got a text from R3 this morning asking me to close the door due to 'bugs getting in.' However, it's too cold in the morning for any bugs to be around, and the slider gets shut within 20 minutes to an hour of being opened anyway. Plus, I haven't seen any bugs in the house since I moved in.”
It turns out that this is not the first time the Redditor has been asked to keep safety in mind. Read this interesting story below:
OP asks:
RedditOP has three roommates and a pup
RedditOP leaves the sliding door open in the morning so the pup can get back in after doing its business
Reddit
Assessing Risk and Safety in Shared Spaces
The Redditor's decision to leave the backdoor open for their dog raises important psychological and safety considerations. Research from Harvard University highlights how impulsive decisions in shared living situations can lead to conflicts, especially regarding safety concerns.
This behavior may stem from a lack of awareness of others' perspectives, which can be linked to cognitive biases that prioritize individual needs over communal safety.
OP received a message from one of the roommates about the open sliding door
Reddit
OP also mentions other safety-related issues that this roommate raised
Reddit
OP thinks highly of her roommates and doesn't have any quarrels with them
Reddit
From a behavioral standpoint, this situation exemplifies the concept of the 'bystander effect,' where individuals are less likely to take responsibility for actions in shared environments. A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that individuals often defer to others to address safety concerns, leading to potential risks.
Recognizing this pattern can help mitigate conflicts in shared living spaces.
Redditors say:
Reddit
Bugs are not really important (and OP cannot be certain there are no bugs)
Reddit
When you get a dog, things change. Big time.
Reddit
Strategies for Enhancing Communication
To address safety concerns effectively, it’s crucial to establish clear household guidelines. Research from the University of California suggests that setting up regular house meetings can facilitate open discussions about shared responsibilities and safety.
This can promote accountability and ensure that everyone feels their concerns are valid and considered.
It is a safety concern, that's for sure.
Reddit
The requests are valid, justified, and reasonable.
Reddit
People in some areas don't like having their doors unlocked.
Reddit
Ah, yes... the raccoons.
Reddit
OP posted an update:
Reddit
Puppy is well taken care of, and the sliding door will be upgraded with inserts.
Reddit
It is very commendable that this Redditor recognized their mistakes (with Reddit’s help, to be honest) and that they will try to correct them. It is clear that their roommates have safety concerns, judging by their other requests.
All of these concerns are reasonable and valid. OP came from a different background, so these issues never crossed their mind.
However, here is an interesting piece of trivia: the vast majority of home break-ins and robberies happen between 9 AM and 3 PM, in broad daylight. Robbers don’t really want to find anyone home, so they choose a time when parents are at work and kids are at school.
Psychological Analysis
This behavior often arises from a disconnect between individual needs and communal safety concerns. It's vital for housemates to engage in open dialogue about their different perspectives on safety and responsibility.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, fostering open communication and shared responsibility can significantly enhance safety in communal living situations. By actively engaging with housemates, individuals can create a more harmonious living environment.
