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Negotiating Chores with a Roommate

Addressing Missed Chores or Disputes

One roommate confronts the other about a missed chore or a disagreement arises regarding the interpretation of the chore agreement. They must discuss the issue and find a resolution.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hey Michael, can we talk for a sec? I noticed the trash hasn't been taken out all week, and it was your turn according to our chore chart.
2
Michael (Male)
Oh, right, the trash. My bad, Sarah. This past week has been insane with work deadlines. It totally slipped my mind.
3
Sarah (Female)
I get that work can be demanding, but we did agree on the schedule. It's getting pretty full in the kitchen, and it attracts bugs.
4
Michael (Male)
You're absolutely right. No excuses. I'll take it out right now. Is there anything else I've missed?
5
Sarah (Female)
Well, the bathroom sink could use a wipe down too. That was also part of your weekly duties.
6
Michael (Male)
Okay, got it. Trash first, then the bathroom. I promise to be more on top of things from now on. Maybe we can set up a shared reminder system for chores?
7
Sarah (Female)
That's a good idea, actually. Or maybe we can revisit the chore chart if your work schedule continues to be this demanding. We want to make sure it's fair for both of us.
8
Michael (Male)
I appreciate that, Sarah. Let me get these done, and then we can talk about a long-term solution. Thanks for bringing this up in a nice way.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

chore

A chore is a regular household task, like cleaning or washing dishes, that needs to be done to keep the home tidy.

trash

Trash means garbage or waste that needs to be thrown away, often taken out in a bag to the outside bin.

slipped my mind

This idiom means you completely forgot about something because you were too busy or distracted; it's a polite way to admit forgetting.

demanding

Demanding describes something that requires a lot of time, effort, or attention, like a busy job.

duties

Duties are responsibilities or tasks you are expected to do, often as part of an agreement or job.

on top of things

This phrase means staying organized and in control of your responsibilities, so nothing gets forgotten.

reminder

A reminder is something, like an alarm or note, that helps you remember to do a task.

fair

Fair means just and equal, treating everyone the same without favoritism, important in sharing chores.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Hey Michael, can we talk for a sec?

This is a casual way to start a conversation politely. 'For a sec' means 'for a second' or briefly. Use it when you want to discuss something quickly without sounding too formal.

My bad, Sarah.

This is slang for admitting a mistake casually. It's short for 'my fault' and useful in friendly situations to apologize without making a big deal.

It totally slipped my mind.

This explains forgetting something due to busyness. 'Totally' emphasizes it completely. Use it to give a reason for forgetting in a non-defensive way.

You're absolutely right. No excuses.

This agrees with the other person strongly and admits fault. 'Absolutely right' means completely correct. It's useful for showing respect and ending arguments quickly.

I'll take it out right now.

This promises immediate action. 'Take it out' refers to removing trash. Use this structure to commit to fixing a problem on the spot.

I promise to be more on top of things from now on.

This is a commitment to improve. 'From now on' means starting immediately in the future. It's helpful for reassuring someone after a mistake.

That's a good idea, actually.

This shows agreement and mild surprise. 'Actually' softens the response. Use it to acknowledge and support a suggestion positively.

We want to make sure it's fair for both of us.

This emphasizes equality. The structure uses 'make sure' for ensuring something happens. It's key in negotiations to stress balance and fairness.