McLaughlin is one of 12 finalists in a national search for the 2011 Roommate of the Year. The Arlington resident submitted a video showing off his cohabitation skills in hopes of winning the top prize, a year of free rent and $10,000. Voting for the contest continues through July. To see this year’s entries and vote, visit http://www.roommateoftheyear.com/. What did you expect when you entered?
I don’t like being recorded, so this was something where we went out on a limb. I’ve never entered a video contest before. I didn’t think that a suggestion off-hand would lead to getting to the top of the contest.
What makes a good roommate?
Recognizing what your roommate needs. Like any relationship, you have to take over when someone is having a long day at work. You live with them, so you start to know what their work schedule’s like, what their personal life is like.
Have you ever had a bad roommate?
I had a bad college roommate. It was the opposite of being considerate. You’re about to go out for a rainy day, and you realize your roommate has the umbrella. When you live with someone, you start to think as possessions as shared. An inconsiderate roommate just makes that assumption, instead of asking like a good roommate.
What advice do you have for someone looking for a roommate in D.C.?
I know that a lot of people in this area, because of the hours you work and the commute, need a roommate who will be considerate. In a metro area like D.C., we don’t always spend as much time in our apartments as we want. It’s nice that the time we spend in our apartment, [with a good roommate] we don’t have to worry is the apartment clean or are the bills paid?
Amy Myers
