Living Together Agreement for Sisters
Preserving Love, Respect, and Harmony
While Sharing a Home
🏠 Core Principles
1.
We are
sisters first, roommates second.
2.
We will
lead with love, empathy, and respect.
3.
We agree
to communicate, not retaliate.
4.
We will
never let a disagreement go unresolved overnight.
5.
We aim to
be each other’s safe space, not a source of stress.
📋 Practical Living Rules
1.
Shared
Expenses
o
Decide in advance who pays for what
(rent, utilities, groceries).
o
Use apps like Splitwise or Venmo to
track and settle shared costs fairly.
2.
Chores and
Responsibilities
o
Create a rotating weekly schedule
for cleaning, dishes, trash, etc.
o
Respect each other’s standards
without nitpicking. If something bothers one, kindly say so.
3.
Guests
& Privacy
o
Communicate about overnight guests
or parties in advance.
o
Respect closed doors, headphones in
ears, or “alone time” signals.
4.
Noise and
Quiet Times
o
Agree on quiet hours during weekdays
and boundaries for early mornings or late nights.
5.
Shared and
Personal Items
o
Always ask before borrowing
anything, even if it seems minor.
o
Replace or return items promptly and
in the condition they were found.
💬 Communication Agreement
1.
Weekly
Check-In Ritual (30 mins max)
o
Once a week, sit down to talk
openly. Ask:
§ How are you feeling about our space and dynamic?
§ Is there anything we need to adjust or talk through?
o
Use a “talking item” (object passed
to show who has the floor). No interruptions.
2.
If Hurt
Feelings Arise
o
Pause before reacting. Take a moment
to breathe and gather your thoughts.
o
Use “I” statements, not “You”
accusations:
§ ✅ “I felt ignored when you didn’t respond.”
§ ❌ “You always ignore me and don’t care.”
3.
Write It
Out if Talking Feels Hard
o
Write a letter or note if it’s
easier than speaking in the heat of the moment.
o
Exchange and then respond
thoughtfully.
🛑 Conflict Resolution Protocol
If an argument happens, follow these
steps:
1.
Step Away
Gracefully – Take 20–30 minutes apart to cool
down.
2.
Return With
Intention – Agree to reconvene in a neutral
tone.
3.
Each
Shares 2 Minutes Without Interruptions
– Set a timer if needed.
4.
Summarize
Each Other’s Feelings – “What I heard you say is…”
5.
Agree on
One Action Each Can Take – A
change, apology, or compromise.
6.
End with a
Hug or Kind Word – Even if the solution is
incomplete.
💞 Emotional Support Plan
1.
We check
in on each other’s mental health.
o
“How’s your heart today?” is a good
weekly question.
2.
We are not
therapists, but we can listen.
o
Sometimes the best thing is just to
say: “That sounds really hard. I’m here.”
3.
We give
grace when one is off.
o
Everyone has bad days. Don’t take
mood swings personally.
🔄 The Reset Rule
When things get off-track, either
sister can say “Let’s reset.”
That means:
- We pause whatever is going on.
- We forgive even if we’re not totally over it yet.
- We remember: Our relationship matters more than
being right.
✍️ Final Note
You’re both growing, learning, and
building a deeper bond. There will be missteps — that’s life. But having a
roadmap like this allows you to steer back to love and laughter.
Tape this on the fridge. Revisit it
every month. Make edits as needed. Your love as sisters is lifelong. Living
together should make it stronger, not strained.
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