Singing the Blues

Dear Miss Information, 

The school year started off fine. Classes were going well, I got to see my friends, and I moved in with a new roommate. A friend of a friend. He’s really great! He always keeps the suite clean, cleans the bathroom and his side of the room without trouble. He’s funny, super chill, and basically everything is perfect. He’s honestly the best roommate a guy could ask for. Except for this one thing. He sings in the shower and it’s HORRIBLE. He can’t carry a tune to save his life. And because we’re in a suite, I hear it every time. It wouldn’t be so bad if we were in a community hall. Then at least I wouldn’t be in this alone. But sadly, I have to deal with this awful noise right next to my room, my comfort space. It’s so bad. It’s like a velociraptor trying to belt “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, but said velociraptor also has a sore throat. 

The worst part is that he thinks he sings really well. He’s proud of his screeches. So much so that he wants to audition for Turning Point. Yikes! I normally wouldn’t mind a roommate’s odd quirks, but his voice is SO BAD that I just can’t stand it. How do I confront him without hurting his feelings? I don’t want to crush his dreams. Help me, Miss Information! 

Sincerely, Singing the Blues

Dear Singing the Blues,

I am deeply sorry to hear that you feel this way about your roommate’s voice. But I think perhaps you may be losing sight of what matters here. Your pal is simply trying to express himself through song, and who are you to limit that artistic expression? You should be encouraging him to pursue his dreams, not persuading him to hide his passion. Maybe you simply do not have the well-trained ear, the artistic taste that would allow for enjoyment of the twitterings of such a unique songbird as your roommate. 

Perhaps you wrote to me under the impression that I would aid you in hindering your roommate’s shower karaoke excursions, but I do not think that is the best course of action in this case. I am here to solve problems and find creative solutions, not stifle potential artists! I think the best course of action for you, Singing the Blues, is to start singing a different tune altogether. You must change your outlook; focus on the positive aspects of your roommate situation, such as the tidiness and humor. And encourage him to pursue his passion to its furthest extent. Whether or not his dreams are crushed is not up to you, but up to the good people that oversee Turning Point auditions. Let them decide your roommate’s fate. 

Sincerely,

Miss Information