Co-living and introverts? Of course it works! Living with other people can be difficult, especially if you are an introvert. Social pressure, as well as the perceived lack of privacy and personal space, can be quite daunting for people who have a more reflective nature. However, co-living has many benefits. 

Sharing a home helps with the bills, and in some cases, it can be nice to share house maintenance duties with someone else. Weekly cleaning can be time-consuming. It’s always nice to know that all the work is not going to fall on your shoulders alone. If you have someone else sharing house duties, you can take a break to regain energy or focus on other things.

Keep reading to learn more about how to overcome your introversion and establish a friendly co-living relationship with others! 

Learn the value of communication

Introverts might struggle with being upfront about how they feel, or where they stand on a topic. A lack of understanding can lead to a passive-aggressive relationship with the people in your life. Being upfront with roommates and co-workers is vital. 

To prevent this from happening, always make an effort to speak your mind. If you are appreciative of something, don’t shy away from saying, “thank you.” If you are not comfortable with something, don’t be afraid to make a stand.

Confronting someone is probably the hardest thing to do for an introvert. The first time, you’ll feel nervous and your anxiety levels will be through the roof, but you’ll eventually feel more comfortable with it. Being more communicative is a bit like learning how to ride a bike. 

In the beginning, the movements are so unnatural and clumsy, but after a while, you won’t even have to think about coordination. It just comes naturally with some practice! Introverts always believe that good communication is something you inherently possess.

Truth be told, it is a skill that you can hone if you practice consistently. Communication is an essential ability to develop if you are planning on co-living, and it can come in handy in other areas of your life.

If you still aren’t too sure about the do’s and dont’s of co-living, check out these 7 HUGE co-living no-nos before diving right into creating a nuisance of yourself!

Start small; get to know one person first

Going out and being social might seem like a considerable effort for introverts. However, you might find that taking a chance can be rewarding in the long run. Sure, you may not like crowded parties, overly loud music, or too many drinks. Keep that chin up; there are other ways to enjoy being social. 

There’s always a person worth chatting with – someone who might share the same interests. Think of it as an opportunity. If you make the effort, you might find a new friend and potentially connect with someone in a much deeper away. 

Granted, most people don’t want their home to be a constant party hub, but spending time with others who are enjoying the co-living lifestyle can be a lot of fun! It’s just one of the many ways to getting the best out of your co-living experience.

Think of the money you will save!

One of the best things about sharing when it comes to accommodation or workspace is the fact that you can split costs and duties with others. In doing so, you can keep your expenses down and save a lot of money on housekeeping services, for example. 

Many professionals, such as entrepreneurs, community managers, and freelancers, love to share co-living or co-working spaces for this particular reason. Keeping costs down is essential in city living, and will help you out as you discover yourself without the burden of a tight budget.

Not losing that personal space

If you are an introvert, you probably prefer to recharge your batteries with some time alone, and you worry that living with other people might mean that you will have to give up on that. The thing is, everyone values personal space. 

Even if you have housemates, you are going to be able to enjoy some time alone and take time off from being social. Remember that sharing a living arrangement does not mean that you need to be up for something social all the time! Even the most outgoing people feel like being by themselves on occasion. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Knowing when to respect someone else’s ‘alone time’ is also an essential part of developing a great relationship with those who live with you. Introverts and extroverts are not as different as you might think – because everyone needs a break from social interaction sometimes. 

It’s easy to paint a hyperactive social picture when you think of co-living. Sure, sharing a living space with other people might mean a little more interaction. The beauty of bunking in with likeminded individuals is that, more often than not, you guys will understand the needs of each other. You’ll get your ‘me’ time, no worries!

Respect others, and others shall respect you. This statement is undoubtedly the most important tip to being a better co-living neighbour. 

In conclusion, co-living and introverts might seem like an odd combination, but it works! As with any co-living arrangement, it is important to make a compromise at times. If you can find a way to be more flexible, you will reap the rewards of sharing a space. 

Whether you are planning to rent a room in a fully furnished place with a group of people, or you’re looking for shared working spaces, the possibilities are endless. Singapore and co-living are getting more intertwined as the scene rapidly grows. With many expats looking for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to sort their accommodation or workplace, it’s easy to see why. 

The flexibility of living offered by shared living is one of the many reasons why young business travellers love to spend time in Singapore.

If you are looking for resources, information, and suggestions on the best co-living solutions in Singapore, check out the following links! These are some of the best apartments available for co-living in Singapore. So will you break out of your introvert shell and take a leap to experience the perks of the Singapore sharing economy?