Roommate stress

I spent the late afternoon today building a ball of white hot stress in my chest over some roommate stress.

I've lived in this Reynoldstown home for almost a year now and have enjoyed the roommates, location, and house. Then a couple months ago the relationship between one roommate and the other two dissolved. And as that was happening, the amount we collectively pay for rent came up -- which led me to discovering that the amounts we each contributed was not fair. And knowing that I would have to address it with the roommates that were staying.

So over the last month or two I've raised the issue in passing, then finally December 6th emailed the roommates asking for some resolution. Nothing.

They did nothing about it, leaving me feeling both wronged and ignored, also leaving me as the one that would have to confront them.

Until tonight.

I mentioned that I had this stress ball growing: I was frowning basically all afternoon; giving one-word responses; seeing the house with blinders on. Then in the living room a little while ago I finally asked for the help of one of the roommates...help in dealing with this stress I'm feeling. Which he did by listening and explaining a bit, then encouraging another roommate to talk with me, which she did. 

After about an hour of hearing each other and working on a middle ground, we've arrived. I feel heard and more at ease with their points of view. And the hot white ball of stress can now be released. Important success to start the new year.