Is romance really common in shared houses?
Compared to normal living alone or in an apartment, a share house provides an environment that makes it easier for romance to develop. However, it cannot be said that there are necessarily many romances in a share house. The occurrence rate of romance varies depending on the type of share house and the attributes of the residents.
For example, share houses with a skewed ratio of men to women or share houses that use dormitories (shared rooms) instead of private rooms tend not to develop romantic relationships. On the other hand, share houses that are mixed-gender and have active interactions in common spaces tend to increase the number of natural encounters, making it easier for relationships to develop.
Characteristics of a mixed-gender share house
- Many places to meet people: Conversations naturally increase in the living room, kitchen, and common spaces.
- Part of your life is shared: You can easily see the other person's true self and lifestyle, which makes it easier to feel closer to them.
- People with similar values tend to gather together: Since people live in the same area and share the same lifestyle, it is easy to become friends.
However, there are also some disadvantages to having too many couples, such as "the relationships between residents becoming unbalanced" and "it becoming awkward when they break up."
What kind of environment is conducive to romance in a shared house?
① Shared houses with ample shared spaces
Share houses have large shared spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and lounges, and offer many opportunities for interaction, making them a good place to start a romantic relationship.
For example, events that deepen friendships are more likely to occur naturally, such as "watching a movie together" or "cooking together."
②There are many events for residents to socialize with each other
- Welcome parties and birthday parties
- Weekend game nights and movie nights
- BBQ, drinking parties, cooking parties
In shared houses where such events are held regularly, it is easy for residents to get closer to each other and for romantic relationships to develop.
3) Share houses with many working adults in their 20s and 30s
In a share house, where the residents are mostly working adults in their 20s and 30s, it is easy to naturally become friends with others because their lifestyles are similar.
When there are a lot of students or freelancers, the chances of a relationship developing into romance tend to be lower due to their different lifestyles.
4) Many people live in the same share house for a long time.
Compared to share houses where people change every short period of time (3 months to 6 months), share houses where many people live for over a year allow you to build relationships slowly and are more likely to lead to romance.
How a shared house can lead to romance
In a share house, you naturally have many opportunities to come into contact with members of the opposite sex on a daily basis, which can lead to romance. In particular, the following situations are likely to lead to romance:
Trigger 1: Natural conversation in the living room or kitchen
Shared houses have common spaces such as living rooms and kitchens, so residents often meet each other.
for example:
- When you're making breakfast or dinner, ask, "What are you making?"
- Chatting together over coffee
- It's a great place to have a conversation when you're taking a break in the living room after work or school.
By spending a lot of time having these casual conversations, you will gradually start to feel closer to the other person, and before you know it, it may develop into romance.
People who are good at cooking will especially get high points!
It's common for people to become closer through conversations like, "The curry that ◯◯-kun/chan made is delicious!"
Trigger 2: Collaboration in a shared space
In a shared house, residents often do housework and prepare for events together.
for example:
- Help each other with washing dishes and cleaning in the kitchen
- Redecorating the house or preparing for a party together
- Help each other manage the garden by watering the plants and taking out the trash.
Working together in this way creates the "fun of doing something together" and naturally fosters a sense of closeness.
In particular, people who are able to show subtle consideration while doing something are likely to be more likable.
A simple phrase like "I'll carry that heavy thing!" or "Shall I help you?" can make the other person start to think of you as a romantic partner.
Trigger 3: Events in the share house become a place for romance
Many share houses hold events to help residents get to know each other better.
for example:
- Welcome party (for new residents)
- Christmas and Halloween parties
- Movie nights and board game tournaments
- Weekend dinner parties and BBQs
These events provide an opportunity to interact with residents you don't normally talk to, which can easily lead to romance.
In particular, when alcohol is involved, people can talk in a relaxed manner, which can suddenly close the gap!
In addition, through activities such as game tournaments and quizzes, you will have moments when you realize, "This person is surprisingly interesting," or "We have similar values."
Trigger #4: Getting closer to friends who share the same hobby
Shared houses tend to bring together people with similar values and lifestyles, so they often share common hobbies.
for example:
- Watch Netflix together with fellow movie lovers
- When a music lover plays the guitar, a session begins.
- People who like to go to cafes start going out together
- Make friends who run or do yoga and exercise together on weekends
Sharing hobbies is a natural way to start a conversation and can help you become closer to someone faster.
Furthermore, it's easy to invite someone to do something together, and it's possible to create time for the two of you on a date-like basis.
Couples who share common hobbies tend to have a longer-lasting relationship.
What are the benefits of a shared house romance?
Relationships in a shared house have characteristics that aren't found in normal relationships, such as closeness and sharing a life.
Here we will explain in detail the three benefits of falling in love in a shared house.
Meeting every day makes it easier to build a natural relationship
In a normal relationship, you often can't meet unless you make a date, but a big advantage of a share house relationship is that you see each other every day without even thinking about it.
for example…
- When you come home from work or school, you naturally see each other.
- Casual conversations start in the living room or kitchen.
- Even if our schedules don't match, we can talk at any time.
This "natural environment" makes it easier to deepen a relationship.
Another important point is that the accumulation of everyday, casual interactions allows you to become closer to each other in a relaxed state.
Also, unlike long-distance relationships, you can meet whenever you want, which makes the relationship more likely to last.
You can check compatibility of values and lifestyles in advance
Before and immediately after starting to date, people tend to try to show off their good side, but in a shared house you can see the other person's everyday life from the start, making it easier to check your compatibility before you start dating.
for example…
- Cleaning and tidying habits: Can tell if a person is lax or punctual
- Lifestyle rhythms → Understand the differences between morning types and night types, and how people spend their holidays
- Financial sense: whether you cook at home or eat out, and whether you tend to be wasteful
- Relationship style: whether you are friendly or private
In a normal relationship, people may break up due to differences in values that they didn't realize they had until they started living together, but in a share house relationship, you can see the other person's real life before you start dating, which makes it easier to build a long-lasting relationship.
It also allows people to judge whether it's okay to live together, which has the benefit of allowing those considering marriage to simulate living together before marriage.
Many new encounters and plenty of opportunities for romance
Shared houses offer many opportunities to meet people you would never meet in your normal life, and provide plenty of opportunities for romance.
Why are there so many encounters?
- New residents move in to shared houses on a regular basis: At a regular workplace or school, there are few opportunities to meet new people, but in a shared house, new residents move in on a regular basis, making it easier to find new love.
- There are social events for residents to socialize with each other: Share houses hold social events such as BBQs, movie nights, and parties, creating an environment where residents can naturally become friends with each other.
- People with similar values tend to gather together: Shared houses tend to attract people with similar hobbies and lifestyles, so it's easy to meet people you get along with right from the start.
In addition, residents often have friends and acquaintances come over to visit, not just those in the share house, so you can make connections with people from outside the house, which is a benefit you can't get in everyday life.
Disadvantages and points to note about dating in a shared house
Relationships in a shared house involve ``close distances'' and ``problems unique to living together'' that don't exist in normal relationships.
Although it may be fun when you are dating, it is a relationship that should be approached with caution, considering what will happen after you break up and the impact it will have on your relationships with those around you.
Here we will explain three disadvantages of dating in a shared house.
Awkwardness after a breakup and the difficulties of living together
The biggest problem with a shared house relationship is that you continue to live in the same space even after you break up. You can't avoid bumping into each other in the living room or kitchen, and if you try to keep your distance, it makes the other residents feel uncomfortable. Also, if one of you starts a new relationship, it can become even more awkward.
As a solution, it is important to discuss in advance what to do if you break up and try to respond calmly. In the worst case scenario, you need to consider the option of one of you moving out.
Possible impact on relationships with neighbors
When a couple gets together in a shared house, the atmosphere of the shared space changes and other residents have to be considerate of each other more.
For example, if the two of you occupy the living room alone or if conversations are centered around the couple, other residents may feel uncomfortable. Also, when you break up, relationships between residents may become strained and factions may emerge. When you are in a relationship, it is important to be conscious of the balance with those around you and maintain an environment where everyone can feel comfortable.
There are also cases where people move out due to problems.
In a share house relationship, romantic troubles can affect your life and force you to move out. Not only can it cause awkwardness after a breakup, but it can also become difficult to continue living there if emotional entanglements such as love triangles and jealousy become serious.
In particular, if fights or arguments escalate in a shared house, it can have a negative impact on the atmosphere among all residents. If you are in a relationship, it is important to think about how to deal with problems when they arise and what your options are for moving out.
Examples of trouble caused by romance in a shared house
While romance in a share house can be fun, it can also cause unexpected trouble for the surrounding residents. In particular, there are many cases where couples monopolize the shared spaces, or romantic complications worsen relationships between residents and make new residents feel uncomfortable. To prevent such trouble, it is important not to create a space just for couples, and to value relationships with other residents. Let's take a look at some specific examples of trouble.
Problems with shared spaces caused by couples monopolizing the space
The living room and kitchen in a shared house are spaces that everyone uses, but if a couple spends all their time together, they can become like "spaces just for the couple." Other residents may feel uncomfortable using the living room or find it difficult to use the kitchen.
Furthermore, if the couple's intimate atmosphere is too strong, it can make the other residents feel uncomfortable. It is important for couples to be considerate about how they use the shared spaces and to be conscious of creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable.
Romantic entanglements lead to strained relationships between residents
In a shared house relationship, fights or breakups between couples can affect all the residents.
For example, if one person consults with other residents too much after a breakup or tries to make friends with them, it can create factions and strain the relationships in the share house. If a love triangle occurs, the situation becomes even more complicated and an awkward atmosphere begins to hang in the balance. When you're in a relationship, it's important to remain calm even if trouble arises so as not to damage your relationship with the residents.
Cases where new tenants find it uncomfortable
New residents in a shared house may feel uncomfortable because of existing couples.
For example, if couples' relationships are fixed, it can be difficult for new residents to fit in. Also, if there is an atmosphere that "romance is the norm in a share house," new residents who are not looking for love may feel uncomfortable or stressed. It is important to welcome new residents and strive to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable.
Is a love-themed share house a possibility?
In regular share houses, it is not uncommon for relationships to develop through natural interactions, but recently "share houses for romance" have also appeared. These provide an environment that is geared towards residents finding love and marriage, making them an attractive option for those who are actively looking for a partner. However, unlike regular share houses, they have both advantages and disadvantages. Here we will explain the characteristics of "marriage share houses" and "romance share houses," as well as their advantages and points to note.
What are "marriage share houses" and "romance share houses"?
There are two types of share houses for the purpose of romance: marriage share houses and love share houses. Marriage share houses are for finding a partner with the intention of marriage, while love share houses are for enjoying casual romance.
The residents are limited to single people, and the gender ratio is often adjusted, so you can naturally interact with others through events. Unlike matchmaking apps or matchmaking parties, the appeal is that you can get to know the other person's values deeply in your daily life, but you should be careful as there is a possibility of trouble.
The pros and cons of living in a share house based on romantic relationships
The appeal of love share houses is that they are a place where people looking for love gather together, so there are many opportunities to meet people who share the same values as you. In addition, you can naturally deepen your relationship through daily communal living.
On the other hand, romantic troubles are likely to occur, and awkwardness after a breakup or love triangles can become a problem. Furthermore, there is little privacy, and residents' love lives spread quickly, so it may not be suitable for people who want to be careful with their relationships.
summary
While there are many opportunities for romance in a share house, there is also a risk of trouble. Although you can expect natural encounters, it can also lead to awkwardness after a breakup or a deterioration of relationships with other residents. The number of share houses for romantic purposes is on the rise, but it is important to understand the rules and environment and act with caution. In order to enjoy romance in a share house, it is important to be conscious of the balance with those around you and aim for a smooth communal life.
