My husband and I bought our first home together. A year later, our friend moved in.

Daniel and Laura Grace Tarpley bought their first home in Western Washington in May 2022. Initially, the couple enjoyed the freedom of owning a place without noisy neighbors. However, after almost a year of homeownership, they invited their friend Chelsea to move in with them. The unconventional living arrangement proved to be beneficial both financially and socially.

Chelsea moved in after finishing her fieldwork in Minnesota and realized she wanted to live in a more outdoorsy part of the country. Although some people in their lives were baffled by the roommate situation, Laura Grace found that she wasn't too concerned about privacy as a married couple. Instead, she was more worried about being a landlord to a friend. The couple learned to be direct with each other regarding shared responsibilities, such as cleaning up messes or needing time alone.

The financial arrangement worked well for the three of them. Chelsea paid $800 monthly for rent, which was half of what she would have paid for a one-bedroom apartment in Olympia. In addition to the rent, Laura Grace and Daniel agreed not to charge her for utilities. Instead, Chelsea often took care of their dogs for free when they were away, creating a fair trade.

The living situation also provided social benefits for Laura Grace. Living with her husband and friend helped her cope with anxiety and depression, as she was able to have companionship during her after-work hours. Chelsea enjoyed spending time with the couple as well, often watching TV or reading together. Although Chelsea eventually moved back to New York, the three years spent together taught Laura Grace, Daniel, and Chelsea that there is no stigma in pursuing one's American dream in different ways.