Having a roommate is certainly not for me. It may not be for you either, but living with others has its benefits likely rooted in human behavior. From spinybabbler.org:

Human beings are pack animals and are not designed by temperament or physique to live “totally” on our own. We group together for safety and well-being. Our ability to attract and communicate with others is paramount to our very survival.

Speaking of survival, my roommate in A ball did what he needed to do.

When I was in my second full season playing professional baseball, I was in the Florida State League. My teammate and I were lounging in our hotel room on, bullshitting. I got up to use the restroom and settled in with Baseball America, circa 1997. A few minutes later, my roomie knocked on the door and asked how long I was going to be.

“I’m a man,” I told him. “I like to take my time.” Smirking, I continued on. Apparently, he had to go pretty bad. I could hear him pacing outside the door, but I was barely on #9 in the top 10 prospect list section. It was going to be a while.

I heard the door slam and figured he was going down to the lobby to use the public loo. My suspicion was accurate, but it was locked. I know this because moments later, he burst into our room and started banging loudly on the door. Being a solid teammate, I concluded my business and opened the door.

It was too late. There was my friend, squatting over a waste basket.

Perhaps it was that experience that led to my desire for privacy, perhaps not. Whatever it is, I simply do not like sharing space with dudes (sans my 15 and 13 year old sons, of course). I may be in the minority. Many folks enjoy coming home to the energy of another. At one point, it was simply necessary for us. From Richard Taflinger, Washington State University:

Humans have the most complex society of any creature on earth, which means we extend self-preservation beyond personal physical survival. We live in extremely complex and interdependent societies, where people band together in groups for mutual aid and protection. Such groups include families, friendships, associations, tribes, clans, states, nations. The members of these groups work together to help each other. Also, since the group enhances the members’ chances of survival, group survival means personal survival. The individual benefits by supporting the group, because the group reciprocates by supporting the individual.

I don’t know, I feel like I get plenty of time supporting groups and being supported by others. These days, when I come home, I want the bathroom to myself. No offense, old teammate.

Kap